A local group is working together to spread some holiday cheer ahead of the beginning of Hanukkah.

Chai Lifeline, a nonprofit that is dedicated to helping children and families affected by life-threatening and lifelong illnesses, gathered together in Dyker Heights Wednesday night to wrap and eventually send out more than 50,000 gifts to children in the U.S. and around the world.

To gather donations, local schools, synagogues, and community organizations can host toy drives to donate to the organization. Donors can also buy gifts from the organization's Amazon wish list to have shipped directly to the packaging warehouse.

"The families really benefit, and events such as these, where people come together and package really allows us to give back to the Chai Lifeline clients, and the community, and come out as the community to give to the children," says Noa Hacker, a member of Chai Lifeline.

Donors can also choose to "adopt a family" and purchase suggested gifts for that family anonymously for the holiday.

"The past year has been dark and challenging for so many families, especially those who have the added difficulties of caring for a child with serious illness," says Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline. "Our volunteers and donors are dedicated to bringing light and happiness back into the lives of these children and their siblings, and Chai Lifeline is honored to be a part of their Hanukkah joy."