HUNTINGTON – What started as a seasonal appeal for children’s toys for Christmas has turned into a much larger call for public assistance as The Village Closet in Huntington faces an unprecedented need for its resources. The Toys for Tots program makes Christmas an enjoyable time for many children who might not otherwise experience it, but for many families in mountain towns, making it to December 25 is a challenge.

“Just yesterday we had 184 people walk through our doors in just three hours,” said Executive Director Lisa Berman-Goding. “There was a half-hour wait to get in because fire codes say we can only let so many people in at a time. There were people in the parking lot waiting for our help. It was the same way the week before.”

Village Closet, the largest charity dedicated specifically to the Hilltowns — it prefers the term Family Resource Center — offers its clients free clothing to cash-strapped families and the largest diaper bank in Western Massachusetts. Last year, the bank provided 110,000 diapers to area families and donated more than $750,000. Village Closet also provides toys, books, car seats, and baby furniture such as cribs, strollers, and bassinets. Volunteers even deliver essential items to people who don’t have transportation to come to Huntington. But the need is beginning to exceed The Village Closet’s resources. It needs donations of cash, clothing and volunteer time.

“We are struggling to serve all families who need support,” Berman-Goding said. “We hope people can donate to help us expand our hours to serve more families. Monetary donations are always appreciated, but your time is important.”

The Village Closet on East Main Street in downtown Huntington is the most visible part of the It Takes a Village main event. What began as a drop-in service offering critical advice and support for new mothers has grown to reach vulnerable populations in under-resourced areas in all four counties of Western Massachusetts, a total of 103 cities and towns. For families with limited resources, It Takes a Village can make a critical difference.

While The Village Closet and It Takes a Village continue to help meet the daily needs and alleviate some of the stresses of those living in poverty, one of the biggest stressors for families is Christmas. As a distributor of the Marines’ Toys for Tots program, Village Closet ensures toys reach families in need. The Cupboard also has its own distribution boxes at locations throughout the area.

“We have drop boxes in Pioneer Valley, in Westfield and Northampton, in schools and places like the Amelia Park Children’s Museum, A to Z, Skyline Brewing and Hannoush Jewelers,” Berman-Goding said. “We want a new toy in the package for a child. One of our biggest problems at Christmas is young people and gifts for young people. We can’t get much from them and end up having to buy them. “Then we have a toy giveaway the week before Christmas so moms and dads can get what they need for Christmas Day.”

Berman-Goding pointed out that Giving Tuesday, December 3, was an important day for the organization.

“This is our biggest fundraising initiative of the year,” he said. “It is critical for us to be able to plan for next year and know that we will have funding to continue to support the need.”

It Takes a Village website is at: www.hilltownvillage.org/donate.