KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT)-- Since 1912, the Empty Stocking Fund has helped needy families during the holidays.

This year over 3500 food and toy baskets were with the help of hundreds of volunteers.

Families lined up early Thursday morning bracing the cold to get their baskets. Even though the doors opened at 7:00 a.m.; people lined up around 5:00 a.m.

The families got around 70 pounds of food that is estimated to feed a family of 4 for a week.