BRADENTON, Fla. — The Salvation Army in Bradenton is scrambling to make Christmas wishes come true as the amount of empty boxes at their distribution center remains at a record high.

• Bradenton Salvation Army in need of gifts for 900+ kids
• Deadline to donate gifts is Friday, December 13
• Anyone can drop off toys at 5328 24th St. E in Bradenton

With just two weeks left before Christmas, Social Service Program Coordinator Ebony Lewis estimates that roughly 900 of the 2,600 children the organization has taken on this year do not have Christmas presents at this time.

At this same point in 2018, just 300 of the roughly 3,900 Christmas lists were unaccounted for.

“There’s nothing you can say when that child wakes up and there’s absolutely nothing under the tree,” Lewis said. “We have the opportunity to help provide something for that family that we need to fulfill.”

The organization is in need of presents for children ages 6 to 12. The majority of donations coming in the last few days have been for younger children.

Lewis attributes the lack of donations this year to changing shopping habits and Thanksgiving falling late on the calendar, which is cutting the length of the holiday shopping season.

“We as individuals are forgetting what Christmas is about,” she said.

While traditionally residents are asked to pull an Angel Tree tag and sponsor a child, the organization is now asking anyone who is able to buy a toy to please drop it off at their distribution center.

“We are standing on our faith just knowing the community is going to come through,” Lewis said.

The deadline for gift donations is Friday, December 13 at The Salvation Army Distribution Center, at 5328 24th St. E in Bradenton.