Kohl’s associate Noreen Gartland helps Firefighter Jason Frederick (black coat) and Chicago Office Technology group employee Dan Tuohy (black coat and tie) pick out gifts for needy children. Photo by Joseph Ruzich.

Bolingbrook firefighter and paramedic Jason Frederick – along with a dozen other volunteers – spent several hours before the holidays loading up carts with toys and winter clothes at a local Kohl’s and Target store.

“It gives you a good feeling,” said Frederick. “This is really what the holidays are all about.”

Frederick and the volunteers were out shopping for the items for the suburb’s Operation Christmas program to assist families who can’t afford gifts for their children. Each family receives two gifts per child, according to village officials.

Bolingbrook resident and volunteer Lee Bush said they are serving 500 families this year, compared to about 450 in 2010 and 400 in 2009. Bush said needy families who contact the village are enrolled in the program.

“There are so many families in need and it’s only getting worse,” said Bush. “We keep serving more people every year.” The program has been around for over 25 years.

Some of the gifts children will be receiving this year include dolls, games, basketballs, footballs, clothing and even watches for teenagers.

Fire officials said they have raised over $4,000 for the program this year and have also received numerous toys and gifts from various donors, including from department stores, the firefighters union and village administration officials.

The Chicago Office Technology Group in Bolingbrook also donated over $2,500 for the program and were on hand to shop for the gifts.

Davis said he thinks it’s important that all kids get something for Christmas. “It breaks your heart to hear some of their stories, but at least we can make their Christmas a little better,” he said.