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Kris Bjoin, another volunteer, moved bags along into designated areas after they were filled with food by Winton and others.

“I’ve been volunteering for about 12 years or so,” Bjoin said, while continuing his work. “Since the General Motors plant did it. So, a long time.”

The distribution event took place at The Dollar General warehouse, 101 Innovation Dr., as part of the school district’s 16th annual event.

Delivering Bags of Hope takes place every year around the holidays, providing groceries to more than 350 families in the school district and 50 senior citizens.

It is 100% fundraised, with the annual goal of collecting $50,000. Organizers met that goal this year.

In the School District of Janesville, 57% of students qualify for free and reduced lunch. With that in mind, Heather North, fundraising development coordinator for the school district, noted how stressful the upcoming long holiday break can be for many families.

“To give these families two weeks worth of food, it’s putting a smile on their holidays,” North said. “They’re able to focus on their families and the magic of Christmas more.”

Busily filing the warehouse Saturday, more than over 200 volunteers separated food and personal items into bags, preparing them for transport and delivery to families and seniors. Food included perishable and nonperishable items and meat.

Volunteers smiled and sang along to “Feliz Navidad,” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” as they worked. Many of the volunteers were high school students, laughing and teaming together.

Anaka Jones and Annabelle Richard, both Craig High School students and members of the Optimist Club, said they loved the atmosphere of Christmas and joy.

“We like being able to spread kindness to the community and be involved,” Jones said.

Those age 12 and older were welcomed to volunteer, with many families participating together.

Fabia Ziegler, her husband and daughter said they have been volunteering for the past five years.

“We love that this is a way we can give back to the community as a family, it’s well organized and easy to contribute to,” Ziegler said.

Bagging started at 8:30 a.m. and by 9:45 a.m. cars were lined up around the warehouse waiting to be loaded up. Volunteers then grabbed carts, filled them with bags and helped load vehicles. Drivers delivered the bags to the doorsteps of families in need.

“I think it’s really great,” North said. “We have over 40 drivers and so many volunteers. It was just lines and lines of cars ready to go. We just give them a map and they’re off.”