ORLANDO, Fla. – At the Salvation Army Joy Center, the air is alive with laughter, generosity, and a constant buzz of activity as families prepare for a brighter Christmas morning.
Shyrie Scott, a mother of six children ranging from ages 1 to 9, is among the many parents receiving gifts for their little ones.
Her sister Jamie, a mother of three, stands alongside her as they reflect on what matters most this season.
“What I’m most excited about is for God waking us up another holiday,” Shyrie said. “That’s the most thing — to be around my kids and to be grateful, and just to watch my kids open the gifts. I’m very excited for that.”
The sisters’ excitement is matched by the volunteer’s filling bags and trunks with toys, bikes, and goodies, ensuring that every child has something to unwrap on Christmas morning.
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For Gayle Miga, a retired Salvation Army major, this season of giving is deeply personal.
Her connection with the organization began 69 years ago when her family needed help.
“We were a poor family — just my mom took care of us, and she was very ill. One Christmas, we had nothing, and the Salvation Army showed up at our door. I got a baby doll, and my brother got a truck,” Miga said.
That moment left a lasting impact.
“Absolutely, it gives people hope,” she said. “And sometimes, you just don’t have the hope.”
For families like Shyrie and Jamie’s, hope is abundant this season.
As their backseat and trunk fill with toys, the joy is clear.
“God has been with me and keeping me motivated,” Shyrie said. “And so, with God on my side, I’ve been OK.”
The Joy Center continues to bring more than just gifts — it delivers hope, connection, and gratitude.
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