COEUR d'ALENE - Mike Milligan took it all in as volunteers sifted through tables crammed with books, dolls and board games on Wednesday afternoon in a Riverstone office space.

Donations have brought in quite the horde this year, he said.

"The community has supported us in outstanding fashion," said Milligan, coordinator of the Pappy Boyington Marine Corps League Detachment that organizes the Kootenai County Toys for Tots program.

But he worries there might still be kids who won't have boxed fun to unwrap on the 25th.

So far, Toys for Tots has accrued more than 900 applications from families in need, he said, leaving a gap from last year's 1,100 applications.

"I hope nobody's holding back," he said. "We're here, we want to make sure every kid who wants toys gets them."

Fortunately, families in need still have time to apply for and pick up free Christmas gifts for their children.

Toys for Tots will be accepting applications from guardians from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for the remainder of the week, as well as on Monday, Dec. 19, at its current headquarters at 2129 Main St. in the Riverstone Village. The office will be closed this Sunday.

"I was thinking there would be more need, with the economy," Milligan said.

And no kid should have to be disappointed on Christmas morning, he said.

"Any kid without toys under the tree at Christmas, it's a sad situation," he said.

Cheri Legaard, a member of Marine Corps Auxiliary, reminded that parents need to bring photo ID, proof of residency in Kootenai County, proof of being a custodial parent and something to show their need, like qualifying for Medicare or food stamps.

The proof of need wasn't always necessary, she said, but some were exploiting the program.

"We want to give to those really in need," she said.

Milligan estimated about 65 volunteers from the local detachment participate in the Toys for Tots program, which includes picking up the filled donation boxes at local businesses, sorting toys by age and gender, then matching them up with families' applications.

Each child gets a big toy, a minor toy and stocking stuffers. Families with three or more kids receive a board game, and little ones get a stuffed animal.

Families can pick up their boxes until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21, Milligan said.

Individuals can also continue to donate toys until after Christmas, he added, which will be stored for the first applications received next December.

"We do get parents who will walk out the door, some of them are in tears," he said. "It's very rewarding to know we are helping families in need."

Brooke Craycraft of Coeur d'Alene was smiling after filling out an application for her family on Wednesday.

"Christmas is hard this year," the stay-at-home mom said. "My husband is self employed and trying to do everything he can to pull it together."

Toys for Tots will allow at least something under the tree for their girls, ages 1, 2, 8 and 12, Craycraft said, whose holiday wishes include a new bike and a pogo stick.

She's glad the program exists, she said.

"It means the kids get Christmas," she said. "I could care less about me and (my husband), as long as they get something."