Hundreds of families collect free toys at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission

The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission played the role of Santa Wednesday morning as they handed out hundreds of bikes and toys to kids from families in need across the Valley.

The rescue mission’s toy giveaway is an annual tradition where workers hand out approximately 15,000 toys to children in need. This giveaway includes bicycles.

Hundreds of parents and children packed the inside of the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission to collect free toys and bikes that were donated by different organizations and community members.

“This is probably our third year. Its been very helpful and we’re thankful for all of this,” said Martina Ocon. “Last year, my older son got the bike, so he’s thankful this year that he got back and got to get something else.”

Martina and her family were among the hundreds of people who were lined up since Wednesday afternoon to pick up a Christmas gift this morning.

The Rescue Mission is still seeking toys and bikes for the giveaway. You can bring your unwrapped toys for boys and girls, Infants all the way to pre-teens.