A local church is working to give away 500 toys to children before Christmas.

“I know it’s just a toy, but a toy to a child who maybe wasn’t going to get one this season is a big deal to us,” People Church Pastor Victor Lopez said.

People Church, formerly known as Gracepoint Church, is hosting a toy drive located at 108 W. 10th St. for the entire community to participate in on Sunday, Dec. 19. Residents can donate new toys every Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. up until Dec. 15.

Giving a toy, no matter how big or small, to a child this Christmas can go a long way.

“We want to believe and definitely pray that maybe that toy brings hope to a child and even a parent,” Lopez said. “Hope is just acting in a way different than our circumstances. We want these children and even families to not only have hope, but begin to act towards it knowing that God has a plan and a purpose for their lives.”

Lopez hopes that by the church and community giving this year could ultimately help future generations do the same.

“That’s why we give,” Lopez said, “because we’re crazy enough to believe that loving people well could change families for generations.”

People Church is not the only organization in Fort Stockton that will be hosting a toy drive this year. Donation boxes have been popping up all over town by the Fort Stockton Rotary Club for people to contribute toys to children in need.