There is only day left to help hundreds of needy children have toys this Christmas. Friday is the last day you can drop off a toy for the "17 Days of Christmas" toy drive.
Concepcion Guzman, her three children and her granddaughter are just one of dozens of families staying at the Bakersfield Homeless Center.
"I think I'm just blessed to have a roof over my kids' heads," said Guzman.
For the first time, Guzman's kids did not make wish lists for Christmas.
"We're in here so they know that I can't get them what they want. That makes me sad and hopeless. There's only so much I can do," she explained.
But, thanks to hundreds of you who donated toys, Guzman's children and many others will know that Santa remembered them.
"They don't know. That's going to be a surprise for them," explained Guzman.
The Bakersfield Homeless Center is packed with unwrapped toys. From dolls to stuffed animals, the toys will go to children who live at the center and those who recently moved out.
There is still a need for toys for all ages. But, the biggest need is for older children and teenagers.
"The wallets and body sprays for the guys. The girls, they like flat irons, blow dryers, makeup, and even gift cards," said Jerri Alvarado, Bakersfield Homeless Center.
Volunteers spent Thursday sorting through the toys. "It brings back memories, seeing all these toys, presents for them," said Frank Lee, a Cal State Bakersfield student.
Frank Lee is with the Kaibigan Club, a Filipino-American organization at CSUB.
"It's a great feeling, Christmas day. Waking up in the morning, you see gifts under the tree and to have that privilege as a kid, I think it would be nice to give back to kids who don't have that privilege," continued Lee.
You still have one day left to put a smile on a child who may otherwise go without this Christmas.
Friday is the last day you can drop off a new, unwrapped toy at our studios, 2120 L Street from 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
There is also a big need for batteries for many of the toys.