Toy drive in Roxborough gives Santa a hand

ROXBOROUGH - December 21, 2009 But there was a very special shopping spree today in Philadelphia. Vanessa Lawrence was toy shopping for her four children. Forget sale prices, these items were free! Vanessa Lawrence told Action News This is the annual Holiday Toy Delivery set up at the Salvation Army's Community Center in Roxborough. Families who qualify are pre-registered. Then each parent picks two items for each child at home plus a stocking filled with goodies. There's also help from a volunteer personal shopper.

The toys have been donated by schools hospitals and through various drives. The Salvation Army could easily just give away the toys but even recipients says this is a better set up Altogether, over a thousand items have been donated for the two day shopping spree. Nikki Rager says even Santa needs some extra helpers in these hard times

The Salvation Army says 225 familes are taking part in the holiday toy delivery - that's up from 150 last year. Families will also get certificates for a nice Christmas dinner.