Shepherd's Heart and its partners are providing Christmas toys to children who are officially "homeless" in the Waco ISD area.
The seventh annual drive collects toys of all shapes and sizes to give to children grades K-12.
For those unable to give toys, a monetary donation is also accepted.
According to Shepherd's Heart, Waco ISD said that there are anywhere from 1,300 to 1,500 students that are homeless.
Rebecca Sardaneta has brought her eight adopted children to the event for the second year. The children all have parents who are in jail and Sardaneta is ensuring they have at some place to call home.
"Its a lot but I wouldn't have it any other way," Sardaneta said. "I'm glad that I was here for them or they would be put in different foster care."
She stresses the importance this event has on her and everyone else in the community because without it, buying presents for all eight children would be difficult.
One of the eight, Arizona Sardaneta, 11, is happy to see the community hanging out together over the gifts.
"Its a good way for the community to come together and care about other like more people," Arizona said.
Shepherd's Heart Food Pantry works hard year round to provide for families and children like the ones at the event. By reaching out to the community they hope to let the ones in need know that someone is always there.
"We hope that the children take away from this is that somebody really cares about them," Robert Gager, Executive Director of Shepherd's Heart said. "Encourage them, motivate them to do some more just keep going no matter how difficult it is."
To participate, contact Shepherd's Heart by phone at 254-230-7393 or by email at shepherds.heart@yahoo.com.
Below is a list of collection locations:
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