Packages are handled carefully as they are placed on trucks and then removed during delivery of the gifts for 210 children to Calhoun County Department of Human Resources. Each of the volunteers who assist with delivery help to keep track of the pack...

ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- Anniston Army Depot employees delivered three truckloads of gifts and bicycles to Calhoun County's Department of Human Resources office in Anniston Dec. 14. It was the culmination of the 2016 Christmas Cheer program.

Christmas Cheer drop-off is a day of relief and joy for Jeanette Baxter, the lead key person for ANAD's annual program.

"It's a relief knowing we have taken care of 210 children and they have just about everything on their list," said Baxter.

Baxter has been volunteering with Christmas Cheer for 14 years.

Several cost centers throughout the depot donate money to Christmas Cheer, leaving the shopping to Baxter and her team of volunteers.

Fortunately, her favorite part is shopping for the girls and boys, because she loves ensuring each and every child on the list will be happy Christmas morning.

The depot's 33-year history with Christmas Cheer began with assistance to depot employees - providing food for the holidays.

But, employees quickly began to look outside the installation's gates.

In 1997, the program teamed up with DHR, supporting 58 children that year. This year, the installation will make the holidays happier for 210 children in DHR protective custody.

"This started as a food drive and the employees at Anniston Army Depot kept saying, 'We want to do more.' and this is what it has grown into," said Boyd Scoggins, Christmas Cheer coordinator for the depot.

For each child, employees gave gifts valued between $150 and $200. This means depot and tenant employees gave more than $31,500 in support of the children.

Department of Human Resources case workers will ensure the wrapped gifts make it to the homes of sponsored children before Christmas Day.

"These children would not have Christmas gifts or as many gifts, so this program is a big help for the families," said Sam Smith, DHR director.

Christmas Cheer also allows depot employees to sponsor installation families. Coworkers who experienced hardships this year and have financial needs are approved through depot leadership for participation in this program.

These installation families are anonymous to contributors -- only identified by a number and the family's situation.

This year, nine depot families were sponsored by depot and tenant employees and AFGE Local 1945, who combined to provided $9,201 and purchased gifts for the family members.