TARBORO — Some of Hurricane Floyd's smallest victims were turned loose in a room full of toys Sunday, with instructions to pick any three they wanted.

Michael Brown brought his three children, including eight-year-old Latricia, who chose a new doll.

"It's very nice of them to contribute their time and money," said Brown. "I thank God for them."

Some parents were not sure how they would provide Christmas presents this year.

Firefighters from Guilford County collected thousands of toys, enough to guarantee happy holidays for 1500 kids in Princeville and Tarboro.

"You know, if you ever give a crying child a toy, the crying will stop," said Chris Cobb of the McLeansville Fire Department. "So we're trading toys for tears now."

Lansing Brewer pounded the pavement from South Carolina to Princeville, raising money for flood victims. Brewer ran 100 miles in two days, collecting $5 thousand and 500 new pairs of shoes.

"If we didn't have one thing to deliver material-wise, it's the love expressed by neighbors south of the border," said Brewer.

One family from western North Carolina drove six hours to deliver three truckloads of toys, bicycles, food and furniture.

George Andre spent $600 of his own money to make sure flood victims have a holiday dinner. Flood victims will also receive donated food baskets to help them get through the holidays.

"I felt like the whole town was in bad shape and I thought I'd come do what I could to help," Andre said.

Flood victims have come to rely on the kindness of strangers to help them through tough times. Volunteers promise a helping hand will still be extended after the holidays.