Christmas is just days away and the Salvation Army Greater New York is still in need of thousands of toys as they hope to spread some holiday cheer for those in need. 

They help put gifts under the trees of kids in need with their Angel Trees program.

"The Angel Tree is what we call a Christmas wish list. Parents will come in, register their kids, with the specific toy they're hoping to have for the holidays. and we will then write the angel tags. These are the tags that we will give to the organization to help purchase the gifts,” said Lieutenant Clifford Douglas, from the Salvation Army. 

As they hope to put smiles on the faces of 40,000 kids this Christmas, Lt. Douglas says the organization is still in need of 3,000 more toys by Monday, when the toys go out to families. 

They’re not pleading for donations. 

"We're hoping that we're able to meet that need because kids not having toys on Christmas, as we all know, growing up as kids you look forward to Christmas day to go to your tree. That would be a saddening moment to know that kids are unable to receive the gifts or things that they hope for, for the holidays,” said Lt. Douglas. 

Lt. Douglas says those donations are needed now more than ever as the toll of the pandemic makes it harder for families to make ends meet. 

"We have a greater demand this year because of the pandemic, because people are not working, they have rent to pay and all these different things which contribute to them now needing our assistance to step up to help bridge that gap,” said Lt. Douglas. 

The tags with gift requests can be found on Angel Trees in local retailers like Sam’s Club or Planet Fitness, where anyone can purchase the gift listed on the tag. 

If you can’t find a tree, staff are asking people to donate money so they can buy the toys themselves. 

If you would like to help the Salvation Army purchase toys for kids this season, you can text ToyShop to 91999.