SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- With the holiday spirit in the air, the Augustana athletic department recently spent Thursday afternoon volunteering at the Salvation Army toy town. For the past 26 years, the Salvation Army annual Christmas Basket and Toy Town provides gifts and food for individuals, families, and seniors. This year, 1,777 kids and families in need received presents. 

More than 15 members of the athletic department spent around four hours volunteering at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Sioux Falls. Families had the opportunity to walk through and select from hundreds of toys for their children. 

The Salvation Army also supports senior citizens, with 1,700 individuals in nursing homes receiving gifts in 2018.

This year, the majority of the gifts came from local angel trees around town. Individuals dropped off gifts at various locations before the presents were sorted and brought to the salvation army.