By JEFFREY HASTINGS

MANCHESTER, NH – Hundreds of families gathered at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Manchester for the opportunity to select Christmas and holiday gifts for their children, thanks to the generosity of donors and the efforts of local volunteers.

Throughout the year, people from across the state contribute gifts to *Toys for Tots* during the annual donation drive. These gifts are then brought to a warehouse, where Salvation Army workers organize them by age group to ensure they reach the right recipients.

On Monday, volunteers gathered at the hotel to sort the gifts, preparing them for more than 1,000 families. 

Upon arrival, families checked in with volunteers who confirmed the number and ages of their children. Each family was then guided through the convention center, where they could select three gifts per child, one board game, and one book from the vast array of donated items.

After shopping, families received Market Basket gift cards courtesy of funds raised through the NH Union Leader / Salvation Army Santa Fund.

In its several-decades-long history, the event continues to grow in scope and significance, providing much-needed holiday assistance to families across the region. 

Toys for Tots gifts are also distributed statewide by several charity organizations in different communities.