As volunteers filled boxes of toys for children in need this holiday season, Brighter Christmas organizers were still seeking donations of stuffed animals and toys for girls as they head into the home stretch for Wednesday’s distribution.

With toys heaped on the floor, the pile for girls ages 4 through 10 was noticeably smaller than in years past, leading some to worry if there would be enough to fill all the boxes.

“It is the saddest I have seen. This is the most people needing help in the last 30 years," said Brighter Christmas' Gene Birk.

As volunteers made their way around the collection of toys, Birk was hoping for last-minute donations to help make sure all the girls who asked for toys would receive one.

The Angel Tree at West Valley Mall even had all the boy tags removed so shoppers could concentrate on getting more donations for girls. Birk said people can donate toys even as the boxes are being filled.

“Any girl toy or games for girls would be wonderful. We still need stuffed animals, too,” he said.

Anyone wanting to donate a toy or stuffed animal can bring the donation to Williams Middle School on Tuesday between 10 a.m. and 1.p.m.

Donations for boys and infants were plentiful, as dozens of volunteers helped pack the toys. Cards attached to the toy boxes gave the ages, sex and number of children as the volunteers made their way around the room filling the boxes with everything from dolls and toy cars to board games and books.

According to Birk, Brighter Christmas will deliver toys to 1,987 children this year.

Distribution of the toys and food will take place Wednesday, with home deliveries beginning at 8:30 a.m. and pick-up by car starting at 9 a.m. at Williams Middle School.