Christmas is still weeks away and already Saturday there were members of the community preparing and planning to make sure heartland kids have a happy holiday.

Santa's helpers at Omaha's Open Door Mission were hard at work and checking their list, by the looks of things, at least twice. "How many do they have?”

Volunteers from Werner Enterprises prepared gift bags for area boys and girls. Sandra Dizdarevic knows how much these items can mean to a young child's Christmas. "It hits a very special spot in my heart. I can really relate to this because I grew up struggling myself.”

When complete, they will have put together 5,000 bags filled with toys. A lot more toy donations are still needed, things like plastic balls, Barbie dolls, Legos and of course, when you’re talking kids you can never have too many items like footballs.

Organizers say that's because more and more families can't afford even the smallest gifts. "You couldn't believe the lines over at the Timberlake Outreach Center just trying to get in, people were waiting over two hours to sign up,” said the Open Door Mission’s Cris Morris.

Those volunteering said this can be a humbling experience, but also one that gives greater appreciation for what they do have. "Realizing what all I do have and being thankful for that and for those who don't, doing everything I can to help with my part in seeing they have a good Christmas, too,” said Dawn Jarecki.

Donating just a few hours of their time will certainly help make it better. The gift bags will be handed out on December 22nd. Werner not only provided helping hands, but donated two cases of their 5th anniversary model trucks to the drive.