Volunteers from organizations across the community banded together to help more than 1,100 people Wednesday during Operation Happiness’ Day of Giving.

Originally started by the Clark County Association of Churches, Operation Happiness has grown into a large annual event organized by Clark County Community Services and hosted by Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Lexington Road.

As people entered the church Wednesday morning, they each got to pick out a new coat before going through a line to get a box packed with food to take home. In addition, Santa made an appearance to spread holiday cheer to the boys and girls attending.

The massive operation is organized and all the items are collected by CCCS in November and December, CCCS Director Debbie Fatkin said.

Everything used in the operation is donated, from the boxes the food is stored in to the hours volunteers spend organizing them and giving them out to families.

Fatkin said more boxes are available for families who were unable to come to the day of giving and they will be distributed today at CCCS, 30 Taylor Ave.

“If they couldn’t make today that’s OK,” Fatkin said. “They can pick some up at our place starting at 9 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.”

In addition to the host of volunteers on the Day of Giving, Fatkin said CCCS is assisted during Operation Happiness by organizations like Clark County Public Schools, which donates a parking area for the day; the Clark County Detention Center, which helps unload the supplies; and Penske, which donated a refrigerated truck for the duration of the event so food can be safely transported.