NEDERLAND — Santa was nowhere to be seen, but his helpers from the city of Nederland were on hand to deliver toys on Tuesday.

City employees have been collecting toys for children in need and made their delivery to the Community Care Prayer Outreach center for the eighth year in a row.

Wanda Lovelady, a Nederland city employee, said it feels great to be able to give to children who might otherwise not receive a gift at Christmas.

CCPO Director Libby Arnold was excited to receive the gifts to be distributed at a later date.

“It feels awesome to me. The city of Nederland goes above and beyond,” Arnold said. “You don’t find this (generosity) in just any city and we are so glad to be part of it. Without people doing this it would not be possible to reach out and help the kids.”

Arnold said that last year 300 children received three new gifts each during the holidays. Parents are also given wrapping paper tape and bows to package the gifts which make them feel a little better during this time of year.

In addition, there are also families who unexpectedly fall on hard times just days before Christmas. Donations help those families.

The mission of Community Care Prayer Outreach is to meet the needs of the people with the hand of Jesus. The center is located at 808 Nederland Ave. and can be reached by calling 724-0163.