Toys for Tots brings presents to thousands of kids in Central Nebraska

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- Thousands of kids will get toys this Christmas thanks to support from a central Nebraska nonprofit and the community. 

The Heartland United Way Toys for Tots event distributed toys that will go to around 3,000 children in Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick counties.

There was an overwhelming demand for gifts this year. Director of Community Connection Eric Garcia-Mendez said the United Way put out a call out to the community and they stepped up. 

“You don’t realize how much this benefits the community until you’re here in person really just seeing the families that come, and just seeing the need that they have,“ Garcia-Mendez said. 

Volunteers staffed the event at the Fonner Park Pinnacle Bank Expo Center and helped parents choose presents for their kids.

Longtime volunteer Jodi King said she finds it rewarding. 

“Just brings people together everyone helping each other out, to ensure that these kids have a great Christmas,“ King said.

For single mother Tessa Guardiola, the event helps her provide presents for her four kids. 

“I just want to say thank you for everybody that does this and helps out cause it really means a lot,” Guardiola said.