SF Salvation Army ensures some kids have Christmas presents to open

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - For some San Francisco families, the difference between a holiday with toys for their children or one without rests with the Salvation Army. Rather than having an empty stocking, a San Francisco program is making sure kids have some presents to open this holiday season.

About 1,300 families on hard times are expected to come through the Salvation Army’s doors for the toy giveaway program over the next couple days.  

One mother said she only works two days a week. She came with her two young daughters so they could pick out what they wanted. One of the little girls picked out a princess doll.

An eight-year-old boy was deciding what to pick for himself. He said he really liked a super-hero action figure. 

The thousands of toys are all donated by people and businesses throughout the year. They’re sorted by age appropriateness with every parent accompanied by a personal shopper to enforce the limits on the number of toys each child can receive.

In a city where rents are through the roof and many wages just don’t cut it, this is a much-needed safety net for kids caught in the middle.

Gabby Gonzales, a mother of four, says she loves it. “My kids love it. I go home and wrap it up and they have a good Christmas,” she said.