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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Celebrating the holidays can get a bit costly between the presents and the parties.

So the Springs Church, the El Paso County Department of Human Services, along with several local businesses are giving back, helping 9,000 of El Paso County's residents who are living below the poverty level.

For seven hours Saturday, the Springs Church was turned into an expo full of goodies, with toys for the little ones, face painting, cotton candy and of course, photos with Santa.

"They've been laid off, their hours have been cut, they're doing the best they can, but they want to have a nice holiday for kids," Rebecca Jacobs with the Department of Human Services said.

According to El Paso County officials, 10 percent of the county is on some sort of food assistance, so the "Feed the Children" event gives those living below the poverty level a sense of relief from the stresses of everyday life.

Neil Johnson and his wife are both disabled and take care of their 6-year-old grandson.

But he's leaving with a little bit of hope in the form of cart full of coats, blankets and a frozen turkey.

"I couldn't have none of this without these people, and I'm very grateful for it," Johnson said.

The case loads at the Department of Human Services have been increasing over the past two years, so they know people are struggling.

Cythina Bergquists' daughter is one of the thousands of people on that list.

She makes about $8 an hour with a temporary job and is taking care of three children.

"It's just a wonderful help and a blessing, she didn't have the money for Christmas this year," Bergquist said.