GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Virginia Hall feels overwhelmed as her family’s annual Christmas party approaches on Saturday.

“But it’s a wonderful overwhelming,” she said.

Toys have been delivered and sorted all week at the Clay County Fairgrounds ahead of the J.P. Hall Children’s Charities Giving the Gift of Hope party, a program now in its 38th year to make sure every child in the county gets a toy for Christmas.

The giveaway is open to all Clay County children who are accompanied by an adult. The doors open at 8 a.m. but residents are required to already be in line for the opening. Gates to the parking lot will be closed at noon, the charity said.

“For a lot of these children, this is all that they’ll get this year,” said volunteer Pat Jolly, who’s helped distribute free toys for nearly 20 years. “We get some really underprivileged children. You can’t imagine the joy on their faces when they leave.”

Hall is carrying on a tradition started by her father, J.P. Hall Jr. He created the charity in his father’s name following a successful career in banking, silviculture and ranching. His father, J.P. Hall, was the sheriff of Clay County for 37 years – the most of any sheriff in state history.

In the past 38 years, more than 30,000 children have received toys and more than $460,000 in scholarships has been awarded to 289 local students.

“This would not happen without the support of the community,” Hall said. “My father taught me the importance of giving back. I’m so grateful for all the help.”

The most-popular toys are trains, bicycles, fire trucks and dolls, Hall said.

And since the program started, no child has walked away without a toy, Jolly said.

“We’re expecting about 1,500 kids, maybe up to 2,000 kids, this year,” she said. “I’ve never been here when they’ve run out. We’ve done pretty good again this year. Everyone went to work.”

The program is open to all children 14 and younger. They must receive their toys in person, according to the charity’s website. Each bag will contain three new toys based on age and gender, and children will be allowed to select one used toy, while family members can take home clothing provided by the Orange Park Clothes Closet.

Bikes are given away on a first come, first serve basis. Hot dogs, popcorn and soft drinks will be provided. Entertainers perform Christmas carols for the enjoyment of both the volunteers and the participants. Although the line can be long, it generally moves quickly, and the party will not end until everyone in line receives gifts.

Collection boxes were distributed and picked up at 20 locations by Jolly and her husband, Kenneth.