The line began before dawn Thursday and snaked around the old school building as hundreds of parents, grandparents and guardians of children signed up nearly 400 children for Christmas assistance through Good Shepherd Community Center.

Many of the families wouldn’t be able to afford Christmas otherwise, Good Shepherd’s director Tommy Miller said.

“We try to make a difference in these kid’s lives,” Miller said. “I would rather every kid get something than some kid get nothing.”

The Christmas giving tradition began when Good Shepherd opened as a program for foster children in 1986.

Staff from Good Shepherd and volunteers from Port City Kiwanis signed up 380 children to receive Christmas presents though Good Shepherd, Miller said.

The program works similar to the Salvation Army Angel Tree, and service clubs and individuals will purchase presents for the children.

“I ask them to spend about $80 per child. It doesn’t buy a lot, but it’s something,” Miller said.

The center began sign-up for needy families Thursday morning. People were waiting outside well before daylight to make sure their children were on the list to receive Christmas presents.

Those who signed up were required to present a utility bill, proof of income and a Social Security card to ensure they qualified for assistance. Club members spent the morning assisting the Good Shepherd staff in processing the paperwork and entering information on the United Way’s Charity Tracker program.

The online service is a way of preventing charity fraud while making sure those who need assistance are helped.

“We try to coordinate our efforts with the Salvation Army, so we don’t duplicate our services,” Miller said.

In addition to those who signed up and qualified Thursday morning, every child who attends a Good Shepherd program will receive presents, Miller said.

“We have 92 to 95 kids that are in our daycare program and after school program here. We provide toys and clothes for those kids,” Miller said.

Presents will be distributed beginning Dec. 18, and if additional donations come in, more children will receive presents, Miller said.

Anyone interested in donating presents or purchasing presents for a child can call Good Shepherd at 601-636-7687.