Update: Least of These Gets Outpouring of Support, But Holiday Need Lingers

NIXA, Mo. -- We're 13 days from Christmas and one Ozarks charity fears some children will be left off Santa's list.

Donations are down at Least of These, which serves all of Christian County. It helps fulfill the wish list of hundreds of children in need, but there are several families who still need to be adopted for Christmas baskets.

Struggling mom Kristy Jackson says she will be forever grateful for making sure her daughters have Christmas.

"A blessing," she says. "The kids get the gifts and it takes a lot of stress off the parents. I can honestly say that."

Jackson adds that most of her money goes toward rent and necessities.

"I have the only income in the house to raise these two girls on my own."

Least of These helps her survive weekly with food and clothing.

"I have a 6-year-old and a 7-year-old."

But, Jackson says parents who are struggling to make it are afraid their children will miss out on Christmas.

"I was lucky enough to be helped this year."

"We started with 620 families and now we are down to 80 families that still need adopted," says Least of These director Susan Kendrick.

Donors can give money or take the family's wish list and fill it themselves. Least of These will help you decide. They can be known to the family or remain anonymous.

But, with time running out, volunteers are concerned.

"Every child deserves to have a Christmas and to know somebody cares," says Kendrick.

Jackson says she knows now her children will have Christmas.

"I can honestly say I don't know what I would do without this organization."

Along with the 80 families that still need to be adopted, Least of These still has 50 seniors who have also requested help and one senior's wish list has things as simple as stamps.

If you want to help, call (417) 299-4795 or visit the food pantry's website, leastofthesefoodpantry.com