Hundreds of children served by NOAH agencies and programs had their holiday spirits lifted thanks to the generosity of donors that was so overwhelming, the gifts will be able to extend beyond the holiday season.

Florida Club Managers Association of America out of Boca West Country Club donated $5,000 in Toys R Us vouchers.

"The real big thing about that one is that we were able to go in and purchase items that families really needed that go beyond Christmas, such as Pampers, formula, wipes, under-shirts, clothing and things like that," said Gladys Givens-Barber, NOAH’s director of family services. "We got enough to basically serve all of the families - especially in the child care areas. We are holding some for emergencies so NOAH's Care Coordinators can have them and use them later in the year. These can be used for the classrooms and in home visits as well. We were just so pleased."

The Managers Association also donated to NOAH last year, but it was anonymously through its partnership with Toshiba Business Solutions, which also donated toward the holiday season this year and last.

But it's not just about necessities. Kids want toys and they were not disappointed. NOAH serves about 200 families in its Healthy Families/Healthy Starts programs and there are more than 100 children in its child development centers.

"And then there is the prenatal parenting side of it that works with pregnant teens and adults so we get items for them as well and that adds even more to the list," Givens-Barber said.

Toys R Us, Back to Basics, The Benjamin School and St. David’s in the Pines church all came back as donors this year providing gift-wrapped toys for NOAH’s children. Many of the gifts are targeted to match specific needs of particular children. The Marine Corp. Toys for Tots, Early Steps Program, Community Friends, Inc., the Spirit of Giving Foundation, and the Fortin Foundation also donated items for the children. Treasure Box Project, Inc. was a new donor this year and they donated items for the Pre-K department, things children can use in school like pencils, Givens-Barber said.

The donors are so important because, in some instances, the children would not otherwise be able to receive gifts they want or need.

The children did their share to lift holiday sprits as well. The Fortin Children in Mrs. Bryant’s and Mrs. Lynchs’ 2-year-old class did some caroling during the Fortin's Annual Christmas Party and Mrs. Fudge’s and Mrs. Lewis’ Pre-K Class performed a holiday skit. The Farrar Center Children also did some Caroling for the parents at the Annual Christmas Party.

Executive Director Thomas Roberts donned a Santa suit and generated excitement, as he handed out gifts to the children.