‘A happy Christmas morning’: Salvation Army plans emergency toy distribution for struggling families

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — As Christmas draws closer, some Lincoln families feel more stress than joy.

The Salvation Army of Lincoln said the demand for toys this holiday season is higher than ever.

“We don’t want any empty trees on Christmas morning,” said Major Kelsie Moreno-McCarter, the commanding officer of the Salvation Army.

With rising costs for food, rent and utilities, many parents are forced to make tough choices, and gifts often fall to the bottom of the list.

“I was crying, and I was like ‘I feel like I have failed as a parent because I can’t do what I need to do.,'” said mom of two, Riley Bader.

Moreno-McCarter said the Salvation Army has already served more than 2,000 children and wants to distribute as many toys as possible so more children can have a happy Christmas morning.

“Parents who are worried that they weren’t going to be able to put anything under the tree this year, and the look of relief on their faces, it’s really just a joy to see,” she said.

She said every donation — big or small — makes a difference, turning stress and worry into relief and gratitude.

“I was just like, it’s not happening this year, with right before Thanksgiving, getting kicked out and everything like that, and having no money towards Christmas, I’m like panicking inside,” Bader said.

And with days left before Christmas, they’re urging the community to come together — proving that the true spirit of the season is giving.

“It makes me feel so good that I still feel seen, I feel heard, and they made me feel that way where I don’t feel like a burden or feel like I am bothering anybody,” Bader said.