Little Rock - Christmas is the holiday when spirits are lifted, but for many children in foster care, this year may be especially tough.

There are all sorts of toy drives for those who need a little extra help, but with the clock ticking away until December 25th, there's a special push to help those who might otherwise slip through the cracks.

At the Arkansas Department of Human Services office in North Little Rock, the Christmas tree is trimmed, but otherwise bare.

(Angela Foy, Social Service Aide) "Donations are really small this year. People just don't have it like they used to. It's a scary thought to check your office and there's nothing--there's no toys brought in, there are no phone calls offering to help. There isn’t anyone calling to say, ‘What can we do to help?’"

The toys are designated for the hundreds of Pulaski County kids in state foster care. Foy, who is coordinating the effort, is asking businesses, civic organizations and churches for help in making sure every child has something under the tree.

There are 600 to 800 who still have no sponsors.

(Foy ) "We're just asking that you all come out and support your community. These are our children, and Pulaski County needs our help--and we need to do what we can."

St. James United Methodist Church is answering the call.

(Brenda Weeks, Dir. of Ministry Outreach) "We sponsored 60 children last year in North Little Rock, so we decided we would do that again. We will probably have 150 children this year just from the DHS office in North Little Rock."

A special ministry at the church actually works with the children all year long--but tries to make sure Christmas is particularly meaningful.

(Weeks) "Even if you're not a member of St. James, we would love for you to come and make a special difference in these children's lives at Christmas time."

You can also make toy donations to the DHS office in North Little Rock.