First United Methodist Church’s Ministries Center was abuzz with activity Saturday morning as families drove into the parking lot to collect toys, turkeys, hams, food and household items to make their holidays a little brighter.

In its 35th year, Caring & Sharing has tapped the generosity of the community and the labor of approximately 75 volunteers to fulfill its mission of helping the less fortunate.

Board president Beverly Spike said Caring & Sharing intended to serve 245 families this year, fewer than in previous years. She attributed the decline in families requesting assistance to a stronger economy. On the flip side, donations were up, she noted.

For about 2½ hours Saturday, cars and trucks rolled up to the loading site, where volunteers loaded boxes filled with stockings and toys for children as well as plenty of food and household supplies.

“We try to get families through Christmas and the two weeks with the kids being home, when they don’t have the benefit of the lunches at school,” Spike said. “So we try to be mindful of what those parents need for those two weeks.”

This years’ endeavor called for about 1,400 empty boxes, which were obtained from Brookshire’s, along with generous pricing on food and household items. The company also allowed Caring & Sharing to borrow shopping carts to haul food and toys.

Among the volunteers Saturday were members of the Anchor Club of Mineola and the Key Club of Alba-Golden, both student service organizations.

“They’re our only young blood, and they’ve been a big help,” Spike said. All and all, the whole process Saturday ran like “a very well oiled machine,” Spike noted.

Caring & Sharing is a communitywide effort that draws contributions from churches and fundraisers, such as its spaghetti dinner, the KMOO Radio auction and donations of aluminum cans.