ELMIRA, NY (WENY) -- People in need in Elmira could get some essential items Monday afternoon, and even some Christmas presents for their children. 

People lined up around the Park Church on West Gray Street, for the first ever "Operation Give Back" - coordinated by Runway for a Cause. The free shopping event had donated clothing, personal care items, and toys for people in need. Visitors could show up with a bag, and fill it with whatever they felt they needed.

Runway for a Cause, a local non-profit that showcases local talent and artists in the fashion industry, but also makes an effort to give back in various ways to communities in the Southern Tier. CEO Emmi Saufley explained this is the first time they've done an event such as this.

"The past four years, Runway for a Cause specifically, we’ve always done a little Christmas thing of some sort. But this year it was heavy on my heart to want to provide more of a shopping experience for those who are less fortunate to be able to make it to the store, and everyone is struggling right now, so why not pour back into that, offer gift wrapping, hot cocoa, everything we possibly can to pour back into our community because everyone deserves that," Saufley said.

"A lot of people have been able to come in and we have a lot of things, we have food, we have water, we have some tents, we have clothes, we have toys, so we have an array of stuff, people are able to come in and get not only gifts of themselves and others, but some supplies that maybe they need as well that they're not able to get, so it's really really good," said volunteer Jade Davis, who said she's been working with Runway for a Cause for about four years.

Volunteers were staged around the room at the Park Church, ready to lend a hand - whether it be helping pick out a coat or toy, or helping to wrap the gifts families picked out to take home to their loved ones. Several children, dressed as elves, also handed out hot chocolate.

At a time when so many are struggling to make ends meet, Saufley said it's important to do what we can as a community to support each other, especially during the holidays.

"The community support is tremendous. Every time. I feel like I ask a lot of the community, but they always end up pouring back in, and I've had tons of local businesses, friends, people who are just ready to give back and donate toys, clothes, hygiene stuff, you name it. So it’s been tremendous and i can’t thank them enough," Saufley said.

Runway for a Cause plans to bring the event back in 2025, making it even bigger than its first year.