Four-year-old Luciana did her part in Cary. She didn't want presents for her birthday, the little girl asked people to donate food instead.
Eyewitness News also saw plenty of big hearts across Raleigh, Durham and Fayetteville.
Donations help stock shelves at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina as well as at the 2nd Harvest Bank of Southeast North Carolina.
The need this year is higher than ever and the outpouring of support will help thousands of families in desperate need.
"I think it's important to give back to the community and I wanted Gracie to be the one doing the giving so she could learn from an early age how important it is to help others," Fayetteville resident Kelly Morrow said.
"It's been a great day, met a lot of people giving to a worthy cause,' food drive 'volunteer William McNeill added.
Some were worried the failing economy and troop deployments may keep many from giving, but it was just the opposite.
"I'm simply amazed, I can't fathom to have the response we did today," said David Griffin with 2nd Harvest Food Bank.
For thousands all across the Heart of Carolina, this Christmas is going to be so bright thanks to so many who cared enough to give at each location Wednesday.
ABC 11 is a proud sponsor of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina and the 2nd Harvest Bank of Southeast North Carolina in Fayetteville.
