The community made sure 10,000 children will have a joyful holiday

Those patiently waiting all needed a little help with Christmas gifts for their children this year. Nobody asked them why they were there. As Empty Stocking Club Executive Director Lynn Wood put it, it's OK to ask for help when you need it.

As it has since 1918, the Empty Stocking Club was ready to provide that help, and there were no barriers for receiving it. Over the course of two days, the nonprofit arm of the Wisconsin State Journal handed out more than 10,000 toys, and, thanks to a partnership with Madison Reading Project, each child received a book as well.

We knew there would be more need this year, and, like many products right now, toys are more expensive. Because we're entirely funded by donations from readers and other community members, we relied on your generosity to fill those needs and give every child what they deserve during the holidays: pure joy.

The community came through in a big way. You've donated about $316,000 so far this year, which means we achieved our goal. This money helps us buy toys and organize what has to be one of the busiest makeshift toy stores around.

People donated from one dollar to $10,000. Some gave in honor of a loved one who died, and others gave in the names of their grandchildren. Kids donate their allowance and companies and foundations generously support the mission.

You made the holidays bright, not just for these families but for the 710 Empty Stocking Club volunteers and the State Journal staff. We love to play a role in this incredible mission, but none of this would be possible without the community's support.

The Toy Depot exuded joy and holiday spirit. Wood and the volunteers made sure of it. There were costumes and music, a cheerful checkout staff and book experts helping families find the perfect read. 

Dolls and skateboards, trucks and Packers blankets beckoned shoppers as they perused the tables on the red carpet. One table contained toys that were adapted by a UW-Platteville class so children with disabilities had gifts they could use and enjoy.

Families who came to pick out toys told us that without Empty Stocking Club, they didn't know where they'd find the money to buy holiday gifts. And these big new toys were largely out of their budget.

I'm grateful for the families who came. The volunteers, as always, worked hard to make it a great experience. There were students from Redeemer Lutheran School and teams from Madison-area businesses, along with lots of familiar faces of people who help every year.

And I'm thankful for Wood and her team, who always make this huge event feel so festive and well organized.

But most of all, I appreciate this community for stepping up, year after year, and helping everyone have a special holiday. I hope yours is great as well.