Christmas came early for more than 5,000 kids, thanks to a partnership between Monroe County and the Pirate Toy Fund. 

More than 20,000 toys were donated to the fund this year and those were given away at the Blue Cross Arena Sunday.

Thousands of kids who may not otherwise receive gifts this Christmas were invited to the event.

Residents have been donating toys all year round and the fund's founder says the giveaway shows the community's spirit.

"It shows how great our community is," said Gary Smith, Pirate Toy Fund. "We have tons of volunteers here, probably over 100. It shows how great, how dedicated they are. And they want to help and they want families that are less fortunate than themselves. 

This is the third year the county and the Pirate Toy Fund have partnered together.