MARYSVILLE – There’s been a lot of talk the past few years about the “Wow” factor.

That was sure evident at the Toy Store at The Grove Church Wednesday.

“Oh wow,” Jennifer Hipp said as the first-timer saw the room full of gifts.

“Oh wow the children will say” when they see the toys, Petra Campuzano added.

The Marysville Community Food Bank puts on the event every year, but many businesses and other groups are involved. The concept is to provide toys for families who may not be able to afford them at Christmas.

“It’s very nice,” Campuzano said as she picked out items for her children, ages 4, 5 and 10.

Hipp, who is new to town, had a tough time picking out items for her two teenagers.

“They’re so picky,” she said. “This time of year is so hard.”

Tara Mizell of the city parks department said 1,200 children were signed up for the event. The community came through with a record number of donations.

“It’s mind boggling,” she said, mentioning Marshal’s, Costco, Kiwanis, Soroptimists, the city, fire department, restaurants, Coldwell Banker and many more.

“It takes a village,” parks director Jim Ballew added.

Patricia Duemmel, who has volunteered for 23 years at the event, shopped with participants to make sure they got what they wanted within the limitations of what was donated.

“Something in my heart” keeps me volunteering for this, she said. “I totally love it.”

Volunteer Jodi Condyles said that everything given out is new, “to show them respect, that we love them.”

“Treat everybody with dignity and grace,” Mizell said while explaining the shopping process to volunteers.

She added that some of the shoppers had arrived in freezing temperatures as early as 5 a.m. for the 10 a.m. opening.

“Bless their hearts. Give them a warm welcome,” Mizell said.

She explained that each child could receive two yellow gifts worth about $15 each or one green gift worth more than that. New this year were gift cards. There also were lots of stocking stuffers so each child could receive five.

Each child could get one book and a stuffed animal. Each family could get one coat.

Elves helped participants take all their gifts out to their cars.

In addition, all shoppers received a raffle ticket. Everyone was eligible for a grand prize drawings that included bicycles, giant teddy bears, a huge dollhouse and more.

Thom Meehan of Kiwanis said a major effort this year was made to make sure quality items were available at all times, as the event continued Thursday.

“There’s always enough stuff now,” he said, adding there previously was a stigma about that.

Meehan said people signed up weeks before the event and were given a number when they arrived.

“We’ve got a fantastic amount of stuff,” Meehan said. “We’re flooded with bikes and gift cards, which is a better deal for the older kids.”