Many people have fond childhood memories of waking up on Christmas morning to find a mass of wrapped presents under the tree.They can recall the first time they got that new basketball, bicycle or Barbie doll and the warm feeling they got when opening it.Now imagine what the holidays could feel like for a child who has nothing.Toys for Tots, a programme launched nine years ago by Coldwell Banker, has made it its mission to ensure no child goes without a gift for the holidays.This year, sales associates Kim Webb and Stephanie Robinson are starting the public appeal early due to the tough economic climate.Ms Webb said because of the recession “the needs are bigger and we are working a lot harder” not only with Toys for Tots, but with their everyday business as well.The gift-giving programme works in partnership with The Coalition for Protection of Children, a charity that currently provides for 600 needy youngsters.In addition to operating breakfast programmes at five different schools, the Coalition also runs a food bank and feeds five local families a day.“These are working families and people that go to work everyday [who are struggling], not people that are homeless,” said Mrs Robinson.Ms Webb first introduced the programme to Bermuda after seeing it in action at a Coldwell Banker’s office in Vermont, US.“I wanted to incorporate it into the Bermuda office and they agreed and at the time we were talking to Sheelagh Cooper [founder of the Coalition] and decided to start the drive on her behalf.“I have seen the need grow every year over the nine years and I have seen the initiative grow every year.“I can honestly say it’s probably the biggest toy drive in Bermuda and it’s outstanding how many people have embraced it; and one of the reasons is because we do not tell them what to buy. They can give whatever they want.”Last year someone donated some “gently used” bicycles, said Mrs Robinson. They were taken to a cycle shop to be cleaned up before given away to four lucky children.Both women said participating with the annual drive has taught them about the kind-hearted spirit of Bermudians.Ms Webb said: “I know it’s taught me that I underestimate it every year. I underestimate the generosity of Bermudians every year and every year they surprise me. Even in bad times, and right now we are in bad times, people are still willing to give because it’s for the children.“No matter what goes on politically or socially the people that suffer are the kids who feel the brunt of all this. People are always willing to give to children.”Even Mrs Robinson, who is originally from the US, has noticed that much of the divisiveness “seems to disappear” around Christmas.“Bermudians help Bermudians. That is what I see more than anything. That is looking at things from American eyes. All the rhetoric and things that happen racially that disappears in a time of need.”The campaign has become so well-known locally people automatically start giving, said Ms Webb. “People just start coming in and bags start appearing from out of nowhere. We get trash bags full of toys, some from anonymous donors or corporations that want to get involved but don’t know how to on their own.”The duo only recently sent out e-mails and letters, but said they have already had an outpouring of support from individuals and groups that want to lend a hand.“The calls started [two weeks ago] as soon as I sent out the e-mails,” Ms Webb added.Companies like Hunts, Brown and Co and People’s Pharmacy and even competing real estate groups have been supportive of the holiday programme year after year.Small businesses like Al-Mill’s also jump on board and donate educational toys and supplies each year.Mrs Robinson said certain schools, particularly Warwick Academy, have been instrumental to their success. “They even have an assembly around it and the whole back of the auditorium is full of toys and we have to bring trucks in to get the toys out.”Coldwell Banker employees even get involved. Some are eagerly encouraged to wear elf ears by Mrs Robinson; many of the 52 staff members help with loading up the trucks for delivery on December 11.“It’s like Santa’s workshop and kids help with the gift wrapping for community service. It’s kind of an amazing thing. We [may] seem jaded about it now, but actually it’s a huge programme and project.”At the end of the day seeing the children experience the joy of unwrapping a gift makes the effort worth it, said Ms Webb.“I went last year for the first time to the Christmas party. The kids were amazing and did this whole thing where they go and meet Santa. They were just having the best time.”She said if there were leftover gifts children also got something to take home to open on December 25.“These kids get hand-me-downs very often, they do not get things that are just theirs. That’s why Toys for Tots is so important.”