Ronnie Watson brought his two sons to the James Brown Arena at 7 a.m. Monday so they could pick a free toy as part of the 19th annual giveaway named after the late Godfather of Soul.
Poised near the front of the line, Malik, 7, snatched up a new bike, and Isaiah, 6, chose an action figure.
Mr. Watson, of Harlem, said it was worth the wait.
"Anything that makes my boys happy, I'm with it," he said.
More than a thousand people streamed into the arena Monday as hundreds of children received free gifts, choosing from items such as stuffed animals, bicycles, dolls, sports equipment and action figures.
The event, which was started by Mr. Brown, hands out toys on a first-come, first-served basis to children who otherwise might not receive gifts this time of year.
Turkeys are given away before Thanksgiving each year in a similar event.
Deanna Brown Thomas, daughter of the famous soul singer and president of the James Brown Family Foundation, said the tradition is important to continue her father's legacy.
"It was very important to my father," she said. "He grew up in Augusta, and he didn't forget where he came from."
She said she thought the community was very generous.
Individuals and local businesses also contribute to the effort. Comcast was a major sponsor again this year.
While the exact number of toys donated wasn't available, volunteers estimated that there were more than 1,000 items.
"We were scared this year because of the recession," she said. "We knew a lot of businesses were cutting back."
Madison Pickett, 6, was among those who contributed to the effort. Madison held a birthday party earlier this month and asked all of her guests to bring toys to be donated to the Brown foundation.
"We're a regular family, but they can do without another group of toys right before Christmas," said Madison's mother, Dena, who added that her daughter and her son, Judson, 8, learned a valuable lesson about giving.
Gestures such as Madison's were particularly welcome from families who said they would struggle this year to provide presents during the holidays.
"I'm unemployed right now, and this will help a lot," said Aiken resident Shameeka Graham, who brought her daughter, Briell, 6, and son, Brent, 4.
Reach Erin Zureick at (706) 823-3217 or erin.zureick@augustachronicle.com.
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