They don't know it yet, but a number of families across south and west Philadelphia are getting a little something extra in their stockings this year.
Piling an assortment of toys and goodies into the back of a U-Haul, volunteers from South Philadelphia's Unity in the Community nonprofit prepared to make deliveries to several needy families, nominated through the group's social media pages.
Anton Moore, president and founder of Unity in the Community, said bicycles were the specialty this year, and helped recruit a couple local lawmakers to join in the effort.
"This is our fourth annual Holiday Help, where Unity in the Community and other groups get together and travel throughout my district and other parts of south Philadelphia to deliver toys to families who are in need during the holiday season," said State Rep. Jordan Harris.
"It's not necessarily about the gift, but it's about the gift of giving."
State Rep. Brian Sims and Mayor Michael A. Nutter also made an appearance at 20th and Snyder today, the group's temporary headquarters for toy gathering.
"We know there are many folks in Philadelphia and across the country who may not have some of the basic things that they might want on Christmas," said Nutter.
"Unity in the community helps to bring a little bit of joy into the hearts of young people and those who are young at heart, to show that Philadelphians care about their fellow Philadelphians."