HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Every child deserves something under the Christmas tree. For families that need help making that happen, there’s Santa Pal.

Each child, ages 2-12, gets three gifts, and everyone gets a food bag.

Santa Pal’s McKenzie Kanipe said more than 100 people had stopped by Thursday, the first day of toy pickup.

The organization is accepting applications through Friday, Dec. 20. Apply in person at the Living Savior Church building (next to Honey Baked Ham & Tractor Supply),

161 Four Seasons Boulevard, Hendersonville, or call 828-777-5751.

For more than 85 years, Santa Pal has helped make Christmas brighter for children in Western North Carolina. It’s the longest-running Christmas charity in Asheville and surrounding areas.

“My family organized all this,” Kanipe said Thursday, looking around the building where toys were organized by age groups. “We’ve been doing it for many years.”

She said Santa Pal started in 1937 with the Optimist Club. Her grandparents got involved in the 1950s and 1960s.

“Years ago, my sister and I got involved,” Kanipe said. “Five years ago when the Optimist Club disbanded, we went to them and asked if we could keep Santa Pals going.”

Not only did they keep it going, they expanded its service area to all of Western North Carolina.

“If you are willing to drive to us, we will help,” she said.

This year is a little different. Tropical Storm Helene devastated the area just months ago. The storm damage has prompted more people to seek help, Kanipe said.

“A lot of the clients we see, they rent. If there was damage to where they rent, they were out,” Kanipe said. “They’re living with family or wherever they can.”

“They’re not taking as much because they have nowhere to put it,” her sister Madison said.

The Santa Pal toy pickup continues from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday.

“Call if you need help,” Kanipe said.

Any toys or food that is left will be taken to Yancey County to help storm victims there, Kanipe said.