LAKELAND, Fla. — Time is running out to donate Christmas gifts to a local nonprofit helping families in need.

Parker Street Ministries is kicking off its 27th annual Neighborhood Christmas Store this Saturday, Dec. 14. Executive Director Tim Mitchell says the initiative allows registered parents to shop for new toys at 75% off inside the nonprofit’s gym.

“This whole space will be lit up with decorations and Christmas trees, and it’s just a fabulous space and time for the families to come in,” Mitchell said. “It’s a lot of community connection, too. Most of the families who shop here have been shopping here for years, so it’s kind of their tradition and their routine.”

The Christmas Store serves more than 100 low-income households in the Parker Street and North Lake Wire neighborhoods. Over the past few years, Mitchell says they’ve seen more people fall on hard times.

This is why his team is seeking 3,000 gifts to help meet the need. Mitchell says the goal is to provide eight toys per child.

“Without a store like this, many of our parents really would not be able to provide gifts for their kids,” he said. “And while we don’t think it’s some inherent right to have Christmas, we do think it’s an awesome opportunity for us to show real love to a community that we care about.”

The store also gives families the chance to shop with dignity.

“Most of our families struggle financially. Most of our families have received free things, and no one is going to resist those free things. But when we can sit in that room and watch those kids open their gifts and say, ‘I actually bought that,’ it changes the way we operate and how we envision ourselves. We start to see ourselves in a better light,” Mitchell said.

New toys can be dropped off before Saturday at Parker Street Ministries from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. or make a donation here.