Karnes County’s Toys for Tots program was a large success this year thanks to the cash and toy donations from area residents.

County volunteer firefighters and police passed out turkey dinners and toys to 570 children from 203 different families on Dec. 21.

Donations were accepted via boxes placed around the county and program volunteers also held several toy drives to build up their stockpile of goodies.

Karnes City Fire Chief Charlie Malik said there are many people from a wide array of organizations in the county that volunteer their time every year to make the program a success.

"There are a lot of other people involved. It’s community-wide," he said.

Volunteers distribute the toys and food in a single day every year. In Karnes City, volunteers add one more special touch to the experience by having Santa ride along to help distribute the gifts.

"It’s always fun. We choose here to take Santa Claus with us. Every kid can see Santa. It takes a lot longer, but it’s for the kids," Malik said.

Malik, Vi Malone, Margarita Villanueva, Duane DuBose, and Cletus Bianchi served on the Karnes County’s Toys for Tots board this year.