Greensboro, NC -- Sheila Curtis said for the last two years, her 14-year-old sister Candace Mebane didn't really get a traditional Christmas.
Curtis' mom had kidney failure, lost her job and is now living on unemployment.
It appeared that hope for a merry Christmas would come from the Salvation Army, however that didn't happen either. Two years ago, because of the growing number of families in need, the nonprofit stopped giving away toys to teens, which left Sheila and her high school freshman sister with an empty stocking.
"She's still a child and no child getting anything. It still hurts. Whether you do understand it or don't understand it, it still hurts, waking up to nothing," said Curtis.
WFMY News 2's Chantee Lans made phone calls to non profits across the Piedmont Triad.
She found out that the Greensboro Police Department has a new program with an area church to collect Christmas gifts for families in need.
Organizers say teens are included.
"Teenagers are often left out when people think about giving toys to kids at Christmas because they think, we'll they're really a young adult. Again, were all kids all kids at heart. We all want that special something. So teenagers really shouldn't be left out at this special time of year," said Sgt. Adrienne Moos.
After the Greensboro Police Department heard about Candace Mebane's story, they offered to help by providing the teen with gifts.
If you're a family in need living in Greensboro or you would like to donate either money of gifts for families in need, call Lt. Pam Rogers at 336-433-7328.
There are also toy drop off locations at each Greensboro Police Department's station in the city.
WFMY News 2