GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The hard work is done. Now comes the fun part.

Volunteers with J.P. Hall Children’s Charities will host their 41st Christmas Party Saturday morning at the Clay County Fairgrounds with hopes of answering the dreams and needs of more than 1,000 children.

After gathering up toys and donations for months, the nonprofit happily will give it all away so children will wake up with toys under the Christmas tree.

While the first bag of toys will be distributed at 9, cars will get in line hours in advance to be the first to drive thru the Cattleman’s Arena. Every Clay County child 14 and younger will get a bag of three new toys and the opportunity to pick out a bicycle and one used toy.

The struggling economy and higher prices have put a squeeze on holiday budgets, said charities CEO Virginia Hall.

“People who are struggling with the current economics of our country,” she said.

Each bag of toys costs about $35, so residents can make donations at jphallcharities.com. “When someone donates $35 for one bag of toys, that’s wonderful,” Hall recently said.

To make it happen, the charity that’s committed year-round to improving the lives of underprivileged children of Clay County relies on donations. Hall, the charity’s CEO, said the need for services during the holidays has never been greater.

Last year, more than 1,100 children received toys. That number is expected to increase on Saturday, Hall said.

HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital and Clay Chamber recently hosted its annual Christmas Luncheon at the Hilltop Restaurant in Orange Park to collect toys and money for the Children’s Charities Christmas Party. The event was sold out and hundreds of toys were added to the thousands that were already collected or purchased.

Toys will be divided into age-appropriate categories for boys and girls. The event is open to Clay County children and the child must be in the car. The gates to the fairgrounds will close promptly at noon, Hall said, but every child already in line will get toys.

Entertainers perform Christmas carols for the enjoyment of both the volunteers and the participants.

The charity is committed year-round to improving the lives of underprivileged children of Clay County. Hall said the need for services during the holidays has never been greater.

In partnership with the Clothes Closet in Orange Park, families also can get free clothing.