The Kiwanis Club of Jefferson City donated $2,500 to the Samaritan Center on Monday for the agency's Christmas efforts.
"The proceeds will be used to purchase toys, coats and gifts for children, Christmas dinners, and will help pay utility bills for families in need," said Mark Kleene, president of the club.
He said the club had some leftover money from various fundraisers throughout the year, including a golf tournament, a luau and a sponsorship of a bocce league at Prison Brews.
"We had some extra money, and it being the Christmas season, we thought why not use some of this extra money raised to make Christmas more enjoyable for children and their families?" Kleene said.
The club has assisted children in the community since 1921.
Marylyn DeFeo, volunteer executive director of the Samaritan Center, said the donation was a real Christmas gift.
"It was marvelous because I was able to buy warm coats for children," she said. "I also put $500 for utilities and $500 for Christmas food."
She said children's clothes are a real need for the agency.
"Kids have been coming in in sweats, jackets and no coats," she said. "That day we got the donation, I went right out and bought some coats."