HOUSTON -

Many families worried about being able to buy toys for their children for Christmas found a little holiday cheer at the 2012 Operation Stocking Stuffer Toy Drive Friday. Thousands of families received toys to give their children on Christmas Day.

KPRC Local 2 teamed up with the Houston Fire Department once again for the drive, which collected more than 350,000 toys, a significant increase over previous years.

Individuals, along with businesses like Sherwin Williams and KBR, dropped off the unwrapped toys over the last few weeks.

Due to the record donations, Houston Mayor Annise Parker put out a call for volunteers Wednesday to help sort the toys in time for the giveaway. Once again, people stepped up to donate their time. Several trucks were filled with toys.

The gifts were given out Friday morning on a first come-first served basis in Northeast Houston and some people stood in line for 24 hours. The giveaway took place at the New Light Christian Center at 7317 East Houston Road. The first toys were handed out at 8 a.m. and the giveaway will continue until all toys have been distributed. Each child is given three toys.

There was no need to register in advance. Families must only show valid identification. However, due to the tremendous demand, it's not guaranteed that everyone in line will receive toys.

This information is also available in English and Spanish by calling 832-394-6632.

Happy Holidays from Local 2 and the Houston Fire Department.

Operation Stocking Stuffer is also sponsored by: KSBJ, Your Christmas Tradition.