GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Salvation Army Kent County will hold its annual toy distribution on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at its Santa's Workshop.
Families in need that did not register for assistance should arrive at the Grand Rapids Fire Department training facility, 1832 S. Division Ave., from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to collect the toys. They will be distributed on a first come, first-served basis until the toys are gone.
GRFD Chief John Lehman tells WOOD-TV, " We love those opportunities where we're able to help and take someone else's emergency and make it a little easier to handle."
The need across West Michigan has been great this year. As of Tuesday, more than 2,000 households had signed up for Christmas assistance, up by 47 percent from a year ago. Nearly 5,000 of the 8,800 in need are children.
"I love seeing everything come together," Salvation Army Major Tim Meyer said. "I'm so thankful that we are trusted by the public to give to folks."