Goldsboro, N.C. — It’s been a tough financial year for Clairese Herbert and her family. A difficult pregnancy followed by complications from a premature delivery keeps her at home with her 13-month-old daughter, Cassia.

“My husband works but it’s only part-time because of the economy,” Herbert said.

The family has seven children and for the first time has turned to the non-profit group Operation Transition to help provide Christmas gifts.

Mary Mosley, of Goldsboro-based Operation Transition, said the non-profit has collected 150 toys so far – not enough, though, for the 675 children on the list hoping to receive one.

“We cannot meet the goal of more than 600 children on our list so we need help desperately,” Mosley said.

Mosley said the group provided toys for 285 Wayne County children last year. This year the need has nearly tripled.

Most of the families who have applied are doing so for the first time, she said. Many are the victims of cutbacks and layoffs.

Operation Transition's primary role is providing food and shelter for homeless women with children, so they can't afford to buy additional toys.

“It’s heartbreaking because I don't want to have to turn any families away,” Mosley said.

For now families like Herbert's wait and worry they may not have anything to put under the tree.

“It’s been really hard,” Herbert said.

Donations can be sent to:

Operation Transition
305 West Walnut St.
Goldsboro, NC 27530

Checks should be made payable to “Operation Transition.”