Santa has lots of special helpers this time of year.

A six year old girl in Hart County has collected Christmas toys for other kids since she was a toddler.

We spent some time with her on her quest to spread holiday cheer.

It makes me feel Christmasy, like a reindeer galloping.

Lena Barker loves Christmas.

And my favorite Christmas song is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

And just like Rudolph, helps Santa find his way on Christmas Eve has.

His nose growing.

Elena helps deliver toys to families in need.

She's had a servant's heart since she could walk and crawl.

A first grader at Cavan Elementary School.

She's a little girl, making a big impact.

Some people say like two little kids, You're too young to make a difference.

But I say you're you're not too young to make a difference.

Alina has collected close to 3000 toys over the past four years.

I get toys for Toys for Tots.

She even has her own corner at Hart County Toys for Tots headquarters.

She feels that corner up every year with toys.

Safety director Connie Metters says she's grateful for the extra support.

It touches my heart, Alina.

Such a sweetheart.

First time I met her, I just fell in love with her again.

Alina sets up at the Horse Cave Heritage Festival every year, handing out lemonade, lollipops and stickers.

My school helps me, my community, my family.

And it couldn't be done without our friends, family in our community.

And that I'm thankful for.

Any donations go to their toy fund.

It is a year long winter started.

Off Alina and her mother, Sarah, shopping for bargains and deals all throughout the year.

I feel like the categories that like due to the AM, you know.

Things, usually we're blessed and receive a lot more than what we've pre shopped and able to go out and do one last big spending trip right as Toys for Tots season starts out.

And there's just no way we would have enough items to provide to as many kids as we give to without the community.

Metter says last year they distributed about 900 toys to a couple hundred families.

Numbers they expect to repeat or exceed this year.

Right now, it seems like there are so many people struggling.

Everybody has hardships.

Some people, you know, their hardships.

Some people keep it well-hidden and are able to pay their bills but still struggle day to day.

Donation boxes are set up across the county in October.

Yes.

Have just been sworn in.

So maybe dogs like dog and some baby dolls don't.

Even though we picture collection boxes up there still bringing on me and two or three at a time.

They're still given.

Those donations are then sorted, bagged and transported to the pickup sites.

It's going to make a lot of kids happy, that's for sure.

On Christmas morning.

And that's what excites Alina.

I want to make a difference.

Making Christmas merry for hundreds of families and her own community.

A lot of children that's going to be blessed with Toys for Tots help this year.

Toys for Tots says in 2023 gave away more than 24,000 toys and supported more than 13,000 children in south central Kentucky.