GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Judging by the number of phone calls Virginia Hall received last month, Saturday’s JP Hall Children’s Charities Christmas Party will likely serve more children than ever.

“We are expecting really big crowds this year,” the daughter of the charity founder said.

Not to worry. Hall said plenty of toys, clothes and other personal items for children 14 and younger from Clay County, as long as they’re in the car and line at the Clay County Fairgrounds before noon.

“We won’t run out, so there’s no need to get here and spend the night in the parking lot,” she said. “We’re discouraging anyone from doing that. If you’re here by noon, you will get a bag of toys for each child. Last year, we were still giving away toys at 1:30 (p.m.) We're happy to be here as long as there’s a need.”

Families also have the option to select from nearly 900 bicycles repurposed by the James Boys Ministry of Orange Park Methodist Church and volunteers working out of the volunteer fire station in Green Cove Springs on a first-come, first-served basis.

Saturday’s event marks the 43^rd year of the charity drive-through. Cars should arrive at the fairgrounds and will eventually pass through the Cattleman’s Arena starting at 9 a.m. for children from the county. Toys will be divided into age groups for boys and girls, and bags will be distributed only to children in the car, and there is no need to register.

Last year, more than 1,300 children received bags of toys, and more than 850 bikes were given away.

“It's our way of giving back to Clay County,” Hall said. “People are just so grateful for the help. We’ll be prepared for a big crowd. It’s a wonderful way to help our community in need. We look forward to ensuring all those children have presents open on Christmas morning.”