Thousands of toys were handed out Thursday in Operation: Stocking Stuffer, the annual toy drive hosted by KPRC Local 2 and the Houston Fire Department.

Approximately 50,000 toys were donated by generous Houstonians -- a record number. Toy drive officials said they will be able to help 5,000 families with the donations.

People started lining up as early as 2 p.m. Wednesday for the giveaway, which started at 8:30 a.m. Thursday. Thousands were in line by mid-morning. Rain and cold did not deter parents who needed gifts.

"I'm really thankful to be out here in the cold rain and to get some Christmas presents for my kids," said Lilly, a mother of six. "This economy is really, really hard. I don't have a job, so only my husband works. It would be a really sad Christmas for my kids and my family without this."

Generous Houstonians dropped off new or gently used toys for an under-privileged child at Houston fire stations all month long.

The toys were handed out to families in need until all toys were distributed. The giveaway took place at the New Light Christian Center, 7317 E. Houston Road near Ley Road, in northeast Houston. The toys were handed out in a first-come, first-served basis.

Last year, more than 15,000 were collected and given to several thousand families during the Outreach Program Inc. giveaway.

Thanks for helping to make the season a little brighter for those in need.

Happy Holidays from Local 2 and the Houston Fire Department.

Operation Stocking Stuffer is also sponsored by: 89.3 KSBJ, Your Christmas Tradition.