It’s been a tough few months for Mabel and her two kids at home.

“It’s difficult because I have one year of not working,” Mabel said.

She’s been coming to the Salvation Army’s annual “Christmas Castle Distribution” for the last four years.

But, this year is extra special.

“It’s better because this Christmas, they get a gift,” Mabel said.

Hundreds of people lined the block outside the Kroc Center in Dorchester to pick up toys for their children to open on Christmas day.

“They sign up and tell us how many children and then they pick out their gifts when they get here and we help distribute them. It’s really a heartwarming event — it just helps people so much,” Kellie Jacques said, volunteer with the Salvation Army.

Volunteers like Jacques are helping spread the holiday cheer.

“It’s b

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