MUST Ministries provides gifts for thousands of kids - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

This year about 4,000 Cobb and Cherokee County children will have toys and books under the Christmas tree because of MUST Ministries. Friday was the last day for the organization's toy shop, a unique way to get gifts, to needy families.

What makes the MUST Ministries toy shop different is how it gives out donated toys to needy families at Christmas.

"If there's a child that's a little girl and we were doing it the traditional way, we would select a doll for her. Here, if mom knows she doesn't like dolls, or doesn't want a doll, she can pick something else for her child. She knows her child the best," said Paula Rigsby of MUST Ministries.

So every parent who signs up to be part of the program is matched with a volunteer and together, they pick out a toy for each child. They also select a stuffed animal, a blanket and a couple pieces of clothing. And that's not all. They also get three books, school supplies and a board game for the entire family.

The toy shop, which is open three weeks straight in December is a labor of love for workers, with an emphasis on love.

"Hearing the joys of everybody else and just knowing that Jesus has called you to share your life with other people, this is why we do it," said Rigsby.

MUST ministries also holds a secret Santa day, where children in the program get to pick out gifts for their parents.

Donations for both programs can be made year round. Click here for more information.