Editor’s note: Out of sensitivity for those receiving the gifts, last names in this story were not used.

Thanks to the Liberty County Schools’ social work department — and its partnerships with several others — dozens of families across the community will have presents to open Christmas morning.

For the fifth consecutive year, the school system’s four social workers, and its two system navigators, reached out across the district to identify families who are either homeless or have been in transitional programs. This year, there were gifts for 110 families, said lead school social worker Pam Farrie.

With help from the Hinesville Fire Department, Hinesville Police Department, the Fort Stewart Spouses Club, staff across the system and individuals in the community who pitched in, a room at the school board office was brimming with ribbons and wrapping paper adorning hundreds of gifts Wednesday morning.

“It’s been a labor of love,” Farrie said.

Work on the day of presents started a few months ago, and with the help of HPD’s Bryan Wolfe, they got help from the HFD to deliver the presents Wednesday morning. The recipients pulled up in front of the school board office, and social workers, system staff and fire fighters brought out the gift boxes in cheery fashion.

Two moms, who between them have 11 children, pulled up to get their gifts. In tow was one of the younger ones, Levi, who also was on his way to an appointment with his heart doctor.

“It’s a blessing, I can tell you that,” said Lindsey, who has four children.

Her family was homeless when they came back to Hinesville.

“We’ve been going through a lot and trying to find a job has been tough,” she said.

She and Jessica, who has seven kids, ranging from 15 years old to just shy of 4 months, now have a house, and their Christmas wish is seeing the children’s faces when they wake up Christmas morning and see presents under the tree.

“It’s a blessing, absolutely a blessing,” Jessica said. “It’s definitely going to put joy on the kids’ faces.”