Thousands of toys left the KGW studios Wednesday morning, on their way to aid organizations that distribute the fruits of the Great Toy Drive.

One of the trucks picking up toys belonged to the Clackamas County Gleaners. And while they're grateful for the 500 toys they'll receive from the drive, Gleaners say that's not enough to meet demand.

"We have about 1600 children on our list this year," said Gleaners President

Bunne Mooney. "We're about 1100 toys short."

Mooney says her all-volunteer group collects and distributes 6 million pounds of food every year. This year, they are in dire need of turkeys and hams for holiday food boxes. "There's a lot of demand out there. A lot of people are struggling," said Mooney.

The Gleaners' story is one that charities are repeating all over the Portland Metro Area. Donations at the Oregon Food Bank are down from last year. Leaders say the federal farm bill now stuck in Congress has stalled the emergency surplus food program that brings in millions of pounds of food to Oregon.

Still, many local organizations are stepping up with donations. Union members from the Oregon chapter of AFSCME presented a check for $7,700 to the Oregon Food Bank. "Our members felt it was important to remember those in need during this time of year," said AFSCME Executive Director Ken Allen. "We care about people."

Other charities say Oregonians are generous, but that there's competition for donations during the holidays.