WORCESTER, Mass. — With Thanksgiving in the rear view, many in the region are now looking ahead to Christmas.

The second annual Worcester Wheels Toy Drive was held Saturday, in an effort to collect presents for the Worcester County CASA Foundation. CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, supports the juvenile court and its dependent children, who are innocent victims of abuse and neglect.

Despite the freezing cold temperatures, volunteers stood outside collecting toys for children who need them most this holiday season.

"So as someone who grew up in a financially challenged household, this means a lot to me personally," organizer Ron Derderian said. "There are some Christmases that I wouldn't have had that if it wasn't for the kindness of others. So it means a lot to put this together and be able to help those that need a little extra. There's a lot of people here that have really opened their pockets and their hearts this year."

Organizers say they raised roughly $9,000 worth of toys last year, and as of right now, they're on track to double that total in 2024.