 There's nothing like a smile on a child's face during the holidays, and today those smiles are made possible through holiday gifts for kids. Our Josh Peterson says there's toys where they're distributed. The tables were stocked and Santa's helpers were ready as the distribution of toys got underway. The annual holiday gifts for kids is put on by the United Way of Bemidji in an effort to make sure every kid has a merry Christmas. 801 children enrolled today from ages 0 to 16 to receive presents. The parents come through with their registration forms, pick out a gift with our elf shoppers, and then a family board game to share together, and then they're on their way with their Christmas presents. The Samford Center tables were lined with toys for kids ranging in age from infant to 16 years old. With more kids than ever registered to receive a gift, the pressure was on to make sure there was a gift for every child. Our numbers were up for holiday gifts too, so as our community grows, the need also grows, which means the need for us to receive donations and community support is also very much there. All of these toys were brought here courtesy of Santa's helpers from all over the Bemidji area. If not for the generous support of community members and business sponsors, the annual holiday gifts for kids will not be able to provide that precious gift from Christmas morning. It's just a very gratifying experience, you know, seeing the different people and we have so many people who are so appreciative of what they are able to get here. Each of the volunteers have a passion for this program and feel that the payback is knowing that they are making a difference in the life of a child. I meet people daily in my role at First National and I just love to visit with people and it's just a very rewarding experience. With toys from a table soon to be placed under a tree, area kids can be sure that come Christmas morning, a special Santa has made a wish come true. In Bemidji, Josh Peterson, Lakeland News. In 2017, 773 kids received a gift. This year that number grew to 801 kids.