Photos: Operation Santa Packs Gifts for 400 Families

Like Santa, the makes a list and checks it twice.

Specifically, on Wednesday, they had volunteers pluck age-based bags of toys from mountainous piles and pack them in large bags so the right toys were ready for families to pick up Thursday. Then, they checked the big bags to make sure they contained the right mix of toys.

Volunteers from a Yorkville travel sports team, as well as the Junior Women's Club, worked from three units at the Fountain Village Shopping Center on Yorkville's south side. They found the space after with help from Executive Director Lynn Dubajic.

On Thursday, the 400 or so families in need will pick up the toys and gifts collected throughout the Kendall County area. Organizer Teresa Wedeen supplemented donated toys with those purchased using last-minute cash donations.

A member of one of the families receiving help posted a message on the Yorkville Patch Facebook page Wednesday evening.

"This is my first year that I signed up for this," the woman wrote. "I'm thankful for all the people that are giving for the holidays. Next year I'm hoping me and my family will be able to donate presents to help other families."

Overall, Operation Santa is helping about 1,200 children, which is about 300 fewer than last year.

"It's way less than what we anticipated, which is good," Wedeen said.