Mission Arlington is gearing up for its annual Christmas Store, which opens for families in need this holiday season on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 400 W. South Street.

The store first started in 1987 with one ball and one coat in Executive Director Tillie Burgin's office. Today, it's a fully operational Christmas Store, with hundreds of toys for kids and their families to choose from.

Last year's store helped thousands of families find toys and gifts for their families.

When they enter the store, each person or family receives their own personal guide to navigate the store and help each family get the toys they need for their loved ones.

Several groups around the Metroplex and the country have donated toys to Mission Arlington.

While visiting the store, each family also hears the wonder of the Christmas story in seven different languages.

The Mission Arlington Christmas Store is still accepting donations from the community and will be open until December 23. Its doors are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and it's closed on Sundays.

Volunteers are needed to help people shop, wrap gifts, play with children, stock toys, deliver Christmas trees, repair and deliver bicycles.

Residents can visit the organization's website for more information and to learn how you can help touch the lives of people in Arlington this holiday season.

You can also read and watch Mission Arlington Executive Director Tillie Burgin's American Dream story, where she talks about