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TAMPA (FOX 13) - It's the time of year when stores are packed with families shopping for Christmas and children are making their lists for Santa.
But thousands of families are relying on special angels to help them get by this year.
"We don't have much, but it will just encourage us that we can still make it.", said Erica Williams.
Her family was one of the many who lined up for holiday help from Metropolitan Ministries.
Her home was affected by Hurricane Irma.
"Certainly we're seeing a significant impact from the hurricane season both from local residents as well as folks coming into us from the influx of Puerto Rico", said Metropolitan Ministries President and CEO Tim Marks.
And then there are families like the Broxtons, who were suddenly sidetracked. "I was let go from my job, we got evicted from our apartment", said Thomas Broxton.
They are just a few of the 18,000 families Metropolitan Ministries hopes to provide for this holiday season with help from the community. "We want the holidays to be a time when families can come together and can enjoy some of the basic things of life a Christmas meal, some toys for their children", said Marks.
Along with the large holiday tent in Tampa, Metropolitan Ministries has other donation locations in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. The Holiday Tent will have extended hours on Giving Tuesday, November 28 from 7am-7pm.
For information on how to help, http://www.metromin.org/holiday-central-/holiday-central.html