Families in Manatee County are picking up their Angel Tree presents at Salvation Army locations.

Each volunteer waits in line to grab a ticket that represents each family who is receiving gifts this year for Christmas.

“We will wait for them to load up our cart now,” said Len Burman, who has been volunteering at the Salvation Army in Bradenton for  years.

“I am serving number 347 — it's Brooke, she is 12 years old, and Alexander is 2 years old,” he said, looking at the ticket in his hand.

Len said that when he walks to drop off the donations to a family in the car, he makes sure to tell them “Merry Christmas."

He and his wife Fran won’t be able to see their grandkids this year, so to them all of the kids they are helping are their family this year.

“We enjoy doing this we like giving,” said Fran.

Almost 800 families, and more than 1,800 kids, are receiving gifts this year — Kelly French, director of community relations with the Salvation Army in Manatee County, said there is a greater need this year due to a number of things.

“You have rent prices going up, you have people who were impacted by the hurricane,” she said.

The gifts give some joy to families who are going through a rough patch in life, like Karrington Sheffstall.

“They are for my four kids." she said. "I  have had some health issues so I haven’t been working lately, and my son has had some health issues so its a big blessing."

When Len takes a ticket, he said it feels like he's part of the family.

He says he is serving a bigger purpose, and getting a little smile and a laugh along the way.

Len said that him and so many other volunteers, it's the act of giving that make the holidays special for those in need.

On Christmas Day, the Salvation Army will also be serving up free meals at its 14th Street location in Bradenton, located at 1204 14th St. W.