The Marine Corps League came together in Bridgeport on Tuesday to make the holidays a little brighter for thousands of local families.

"It's a very well-oiled machine,” said Dan Harris.

The Marine Veterans of Fairfield County met early Tuesday morning in Ridgefield to get set up before heading out on a toy drive collection.

"Always fun to be one of Santa's helpers,” said Andrew LaSala, of the nonprofit Building Hope Foundation.

LaSala showed up with an empty U-Haul truck, but he said it filled up fast with toys.

"We load the truck to the brim," said LaSala.

“Watching children get a toy when they don't expect to get a toy at Christmas, it's an amazing feeling,” said Harris. “It brings tears to your eyes."

LaSala then headed to the Blessed Sacrament Church on the East End of Bridgeport to meet with volunteers.

"Every one of these fellas, they've been helping us for years," said LaSala.

Volunteers worked together to load the toys into the church, which will be handed out to families by Father Skip Karcsinski.

"When these groups come and they gift us, hope just booms in the city," said Karcsinski.

Everyone who came out to the church shared the common purpose of giving back this holiday season.

“Just seeing the smiles on all the kids' faces. It's just amazing," said Karen Soares-Robinson.

Karcsinski said the toys will be passed out later this week to families who pre-registered.