Families in Boyle Heights line up for 'Miracle on 1st Street' toy giveaway

BOYLE HEIGHTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Dozens of people were braving the cold in Boyle Heights Friday night to wait in line for the annual "Miracle on 1st Street" toy giveaway.

Santa's helpers were hard at work at the Hollenbeck Youth Center, where Saturday morning, thousands of kids will file through and pick up a toy.

"This is what it's all about: giving out to the kids, especially a lot of the kids out there...this is the only gift they're getting during the Christmas holiday, and we're so happy to be able to provide that to them," said Priscilla Hernandez, vice president of the Hollenbeck Police Business Council.

Behind the curtain were piles and piles of toys, from stuffed animals and Frozen, to Star Wars and skateboards. There were also, of course, new bikes. This is the 35th year for the "Miracle on 1st Street."

"This community is not the wealthiest community in the world, so we have to do something for them because they need it," said program director Jose Correa. "They need it, and they look forward to it."

Around back, the line continues to grow. Kids and their families were staying warm in front of the fire and piles of blankets.

The fun starts Saturday morning with a parade, and then the doors open to the toys.

"You'll find generations, parents that have been in that line and now are bringing their kids," Hernandez added. "And I think that's really heartwarming because, obviously, it had such an impact on them, and they want to share it with their kids."

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