Some local volunteers, some volunteers from Dallas, some volunteers from Georgia Tech University, some Port Arthur YMCA staff and two Santas made the “Jingle All The Way” toy giveaway on Saturday at the Y in Port Arthur a success.

The lineup to enter the building stretched from the front door, snaked around the sidewalk, almost to Ninth Avenue.

The event started with two twin brothers from Dallas.

Terrence and Tim Maiden started the toy giveaway seven years ago in the Metroplex. Their foundation, Two Wins, was started 12 years ago before bringing this to Port Arthur.

“For years we worked with the Y in Dallas. We heard about Hurricane Harvey and we asked if there was a Y in south Texas that could benefit from a toy giveaway.”

Bud Oliver, director of the YMCA in Port Arthur, was contacted and he was receptive to the idea and extremely grateful to extend the opportunity, Terrence said.

The toys were made possible by the generosity of Oak Cliff Bible Church and Concord Church in Dallas. Wal-Mart transported the toys to the destination.

There were toys for all ages lined up in the Y’s gym, including electronic toys and stuffed animals.

“This does our hearts well,” Tim said. “This has been a great community response. We’re grateful to the Port Arthur community coming out. We hope this project will make someone’s Christmas a little brighter.”

Thirty volunteers from Dallas also accompanied the brothers.

They added that they have a great relationship with Oliver and they want to keep the lines of communication open to continue the event.

Oliver said they received so many toys a second truck had to bring them to Memorial High School across the street for their giveaway.

Todd Lopez, board chairman for the YMCA, said it’s been incredible what the two churches, Wal-Mart and the Georgia Tech students have accomplished.

“They all contributed their time. The two Maiden brothers put this together. They were TCU (Texas Christian University) football players in Dallas. Fortunately we have the facility to host this,” Lopez said. “We’re still working and repairing the Y (because of Tropical Storm Harvey), but we’re back in business.”

Amanda Bernardy and Daniella Moronha are co-leaders for the Georgia Tech volunteers.

Bernardy is originally from Houston so she’s familiar with Southeast Texas. Their volunteer organization is called Alternative Service Breaks where students take time off from spring, fall and winter breaks to help others.

Another organization named Community Collaboration suggested they go to Port Arthur because it was so badly affected by Harvey.

“We want to give back to the community,” Bernardy said. “There are 14 students and two advisors. We’ll be cleaning up some houses too.”

Moronha said she thought they would be gutting some houses, but instead they were told they would be working a toy drive.

“It’s difficult for people to get back to normal. This helps them get back to normal. It’s just as important to do this as rebuilding a house,” she said.

Both women said they become friends and grow closer together with other students after a project.

For more information go to www.twowins.org.