Needy children received an early visit from Santa on Saturday. With help from Channel 6 News and the community, toys were collected and handed out at the Open Door Mission as part of Operation Santa.

Santa was there along with 300 of his local helpers. "Just to be able to help someone else,” said volunteer Luanne Meyer. “People that are in need a lot longer than a couple hours one Saturday morning.”

Operation Santa is helping 4,300 metro boys and girls and their parents. A line of cars stretched around the block as many were appreciative of the extra help this holiday season.

"Sometimes it's hard this time of season, trying to do bills and other stuff," said Dawnyea Lumpkin, a single mother of three who is also going to school and working. "It means a lot."

Candace Gregory of the Open Door Mission said the program is about providing kids something special for the holidays while helping parents in tough economical situations.

"That's our goal, that they will use their money to pay their heat bill, the light bill, put food on the table, pay their rent, put gas in the car to get to work, so it's a preventative program."

Each car got a sack filled with 10 toys which parents can wrap and stick under the tree. In addition, the drive-thru provided other items like popcorn and new reading material. For some, the biggest gift wasn't the toys or games, but the everyday essentials like diapers.

For moms like Shonette Gable, Operation Santa is a holiday wish come true. "I think it's awesome what they are doing for the kids this year and it really helps out a lot."

The Open Door Mission says it is helping 46 percent more children this year than ever before. They still have 143 families on a waiting list and are picking up toys at their collection boxes through Monday.