Christmas came a few days early for some of the most needy children in Seattle's homeless encampments when Seattle police officers handed out gifts Friday.
Sprawled across a driveway in Kirkland, a collection of toys and clothing looking for open hands and a new home.
"Over a thousand," said Kristine Moreland of the MORELove Project.
The Kirkland-based MORElove Project procured the toys from another charity, Beautiful Soles of Lynnwood, that far exceeded its toy drive.
They are passing them on to two Seattle police officers, Wes Phillips and Tori Newburn, with the city's navigation team, who are hoping to make a special delivery.
"We connected with navigation team with the Seattle Police Department and they have been nothing but incredible," Moreland said.
"We got all these things donated for different ages," said Newburn, and he showed off the toys he picked for a specific list of people. "One-year-old stuff, sleeping bags."
They brought them to a Georgetown encampment, where they found 4-year-old Maeson Collins, who has been living here with his family since November.
"It definitely helps a lot," said Jasmine Collins, Maeson's mom. "I was worried I wasn't going to be able to get them anything."
Collins explained she and her family have been homeless since a car accident a year ago left her disabled and unable to work.
She met Phillips while she was living out on the streets. He referred the family to this sanctioned encampment where they at least have food and heat.
"They're going through difficult transitions of where they are in their journey, but it's Christmas time. If we can put a smile on the kids' faces, we know what a difference can make this time of the year," said Phillips.
Little Maeson made his choice, a Lion King toy almost as big as he is.
"Whatever makes him smile that's all I care about," said Collins.
A simple gesture is bringing cheer to a home and restoring a bit of hope during the holidays.
"God has definitely blessed me and my family," said Collins.
