Santa and his reindeer may not have been physically present at the Salvation Army on Monday, but plenty of toys were on their way to be delivered to good boys and girls on Christmas morning.

The annual toy shop was in full swing, and parents who had applied to receive assistance for Christmas were able to choose toys for their children.

“My funds went towards rent and bills, so this helps out a lot,” said Whitney Outland, who has seven children ages 10 and under. “It will make my kids so happy.”

Parents chose three toys per child from an assortment that ranged from blocks and onesies for infants and toddlers to art sets and trucks for older children and sports equipment and watches for pre-teens.

Each parent also got stockings and books that didn’t count toward the total and could choose a doll as well.

April Taylor, who was shopping for her son and daughter, chose a toy remote control because her daughter is always playing with the real one.

“I am very grateful,” Taylor said. “It helped out, and I know everything I got they’re going to go nuts for.”

Before the end of Wednesday, 722 families will have received gifts through the Salvation Army.

“I think it’s been going pretty smoothly,” said Capt. Shauntrice Anthony of the Salvation Army. There was a line out the door, but “once they get in here, it’s smooth sailing.”

Volunteers still are needed for Tuesday and Wednesday but should call 539-5201 before showing up.

The toys were purchased through the generosity of Suffolk Cheer Fund donors, and toys donated at donation boxes around town also go toward the effort. The Suffolk News-Herald handles publicity and bookkeeping for the Cheer Fund, which is also governed by an independent board of directors.

Donations to the Cheer Fund are printed in the Suffolk News-Herald and can be made in honor of or in memory of a loved one. The donor can be listed anonymously if he chooses. The donor can also have his photograph taken giving the check to be published in the newspaper.

To give, write a check payable to the Cheer Fund and mail it to P.O. Box 1220, Suffolk, VA 23439, or stop by our office at 130 S. Saratoga St. Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.