SYRACUSE -- An annual event once again helped the needy in Central New York, as close to 3,000 families turned out Wednesday for this year's Christmas Bureau Distribution Day.
The event, sponsored by the local Salvation Army, provides free toys, books and food for families in need. Gary Midas of the Salvation Army says for 40 years the generosity of Central New Yorkers has been helping to put smiles on the faces of children, and this year is no exception.
"This event is really about the community coming together to help those who are less fortunate, who may not be able to purchase gifts for their children this holiday season," Midas says.
More than 100 local companies and 50 schools donated much of the supplies for the event, and another 800 volunteers donated their time. Midas says for many families the need for help is greater now than ever before.
"As the economy has been stressing, more and more people are turning to the Salvation Army for services. Today is a way we can make Christmas special for about 8,000 children in our community," he says.
Because of the distribution event at the OnCenter convention center, South State Street will be closed between East Adams Street and Harrison Street in Syracuse until 8:00 p.m.
More than 2,500 families signed up to take part in the distribution. Income-eligible families who have signed up in advance will get a toy and a book for each child in the family and a basket of groceries -including a turkey - for Christmas dinner.
The Salvation Army says the number of Syracuse area families receiving turkeys and food baskets increased by 62% from 2007 to 2009. The number of children receiving gifts increased by 51% for the same time period.
