GREEN COVE SPRINGS – When the Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputy heard the young girl giggle from the back seat, he tossed two stuffed animals through the window, which triggered a screech and a louder burst of joy.

Two deputies responded by taking armloads of stuffed animals, covering all three children in the back seat and wishing them a Merry Christmas.

The mother turned from the passenger seat and mouthed “thank you” to the deputies. With bags of toys in the trunk and a mountain of stuffed animals in their laps, all three children were sure to have presents under the tree, while their mother and deputies would know the season's true spirit.

Those interactions were repeated hundreds of times Saturday during the 43^rd annual J.P. Hall Children’s Charities Christmas Party at the Clay County Fairgrounds. Children 14 and younger from Clay County were invited to receive a bag of age-appropriate toys, including a bicycle, during a drive-through event inside the Cattleman’s Arena.

Charity President J.P. Steinmetz said 496 cars passed through the event. It wasn't easy to know exactly how many children received toys, but based on an average of three vehicles, nearly 1,500 were served – about 200 more than last year.

“As long as there’s a need, we will be there,” said Virginia Hall, daughter of charity founder J.P. Hall.

Moreover, more than 1,000 bicycles were available that were donated or repurposed by the Last Chance Bike Shop or the James Boys from Orange Park Methodist Church.

“The happy faces are what it’s all about,” Steinmetz said. “For some of these kids, it might be the only Christmas they get. We are so thankful to be part of this community.”