Michal Logan took her time choosing the gifts for her twin boys, 6, and daughter, 8, each selection going into a huge black bag, just like Santa’s.

Like every good parent, she wanted just the right gift for each of her children.

This year has been hard on Logan, the hardest in her life, she said of the three back surgeries she’s endured.

But the Salvation Army, 3116 75th St., came through for her family with its annual Toy Shop event, she said.

“It was more than I expected. Without their help this year, my kids wouldn’t have had a Christmas,” Logan said. “I’ve been off of work since March, so there’s no income coming in right now.

“As an adult, you realize that Christmas isn’t about presents, but to a little kid (they expect) Santa Claus. I couldn’t let my kids be disappointed on Christmas and not have anything.”

Salvation Army Capt. Cappy Moore said 300 families registered for the Toy Shop at the facility Monday and today. The number of families assisted through the program has nearly doubled since it began three years ago.

Gifts for everyone

Stations were set up in the shop so parents could pick out items for their children.

Each child received:

— An age-appropriate toy.

— Winter wear.

— A stuffed animal.

— A book.

— Four stocking stuffers.

— A family board game.

— Jelly Belly candy.

Each family also received a holiday meal box, which included a voucher for a turkey.

Volunteers help out

In the basement, volunteers were kept busy restocking the tables with toys, which were sorted by age groups.

Other volunteers served as Santa’s helpers, escorting parents through the maze of tables and keeping track of their selections.

Chief Petty Officer Bill Rowland, his wife and son were joined by others from the Kenosha Coast Guard Station as volunteers at the event.

“People have been very thankful for all the gifts,” Rowland said.

The Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program provided most of the toys, and the holiday meal boxes were donated by CrossWay Community Church.

Saving Christmas

Logan’s sister Lonni Solmos came to pick items for her two children: a daughter, 11, and son, 5. Solmos is a full-time student, struggling to finish her degree to become a pharmacist.

“I used my student loan on rent and gas and lights, so I didn’t have any extra for Christmas either. It was breaking my heart, because I couldn’t do for my kids,” Solmos said, adding that if it wasn’t for the Salvation Army, her kids would only have two things under the Christmas tree, gifts from their grandparents.

Red kettles light

Moore had his own wish for Santa.

With only three days left until Christmas, the red Salvation Army buckets have only collected $150,000 toward the $206,000 goal.

“We’ve $56,000 left to go,” he said.