FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. \u2014 The Salvation Army in Broward County is trying to track down a group of young donors who dropped off an unexpectedly large gift \u2014 while the organization says the need for holiday help is higher than ever.<\/p>\n
Inside a conference room at the Salvation Army\u2019s Fort Lauderdale location, toys are stacked high as volunteers sort through donations for the Angel Tree program.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome pretty amazing gifts here,\u201d said Maria Tofts. \u201cFrom car seats to strollers.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cToys will be everywhere and over at our other community center down the road,\u201d added David Hayton.<\/p>\n
The Angel Tree program pairs families facing hardship with donors who buy gifts tailored for each child \u2014 presents many wouldn\u2019t receive otherwise.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are the poorest of the poor in our community,\u201d Hayton said.<\/p>\n
But amid the giving, a mystery remains.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had a phone call from the Davie Walmart,\u201d Tofts said.<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, the Salvation Army said a group of about 50 students purchased presents for 50 children.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey went shopping at Walmart and more-or-less provided two-thirds of the presents,\u201d Tofts said.<\/p>\n
\u201cStore management called us up and were like hey we\u2019ve got nine overflowing carts full of toys. Come get this stuff,\u201d Hayton said.<\/p>\n
Tofts expressed gratitude to the anonymous group: \u201cIf it was your school, from the bottom of your hearts thank you so much.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Salvation Army hopes the young donors step forward so the organization can thank them properly. But the need continues to grow \u2014 and the program still needs about 400 more donors.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have more children than ever that need gifts to make this a real Christmas for them,\u201d Hayton said.<\/p>\n
Anyone interested in helping can contact the Salvation Army of Broward County. The organization says it has checked with area schools but still hasn\u2019t identified the mystery group.<\/p>\n