The Archdiocese of Newark received more than a thousand toy donations this year for its annual drive for families in need.

It says this year with greater need came a greater amount of donations than in previous years.

"At a time where I have lost my job, this is very, very important and I'm so appreciative and grateful for all these charities," says Pamela Davis, of Newark.

It's estimated that more than 200 families waited in line for toys.

Director of the Archdiocese of Newark's Respect Life and Mercy House Cheryl Riley says they want every child to wake up on Christmas with a gift under the tree that they can unwrap.

In previous years parents could pick out the toys but because of the pandemic, volunteers selected the toys.