PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Volunteers are putting together bags of presents for children and working on orders from families. 

Chrisyopher Keegan, coordinator of Berkshire County's Toys for Tots, said he expects more than 6,000 children will need toys this year, a jump from last year and an even bigger one from when he started doing this a decade ago.

“Last year, was over 5,700. I think when I took over, it was probably just over 1,000 children got assistance and its steadily grown each year. Last year, it was a jump of over 2,000 children,” Keegan said.

Keegan also said there is a big need for toys for older kids ages 11 to 14, and they still need donations.

“Now, we're filling the family orders and there’s quite a few families. W'ere talking close to 200 and like I said, we're a little bit short. The demand is a little ahead of the supply right now, especially with the older groups. So we’re in the process of you know, beg, borrowing and stealing to get those toys done,” said Keegan.

Volunteers like Debbie Melle enjoy doing the work. She’s been at this for about four years and says the community’s generosity makes a difference.

“I hope they know the impact they’re making by the one toy they give. It really helps every family,” Melle said.

Once the bags are packed, families who put in an order can pick up the presents. Many, like Alexandra Timmons, said this has saved their Christmas.

“I was in the hospital for a while and couldn’t work. So I was, like, really worried about Christmas, what I was going to do because bills and then Christmas. And this just really helped out a ton, more than they know. So we really appreciate it and my kids are going to like bikes under the tree are like the movie thing, so we’re really excited.”

Toys for Tots of Berkshire County says it’s taking orders and donations up until Dec. 24, and asks for toys to be unused and unopened. You can find out where to drop off toys on its Facebook page.