AUSTIN, Texas -- A state lawmaker has been working to give a little Christmas cheer to detained immigrant children being held at a tent city in Tornillo.

More than 2,000 teens are being held at the facility in El Paso County. Sen. Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso, has been gathering donated soccer balls as Christmas gifts for them after working out an agreement with federal immigration authorities.

The goal is 2700 and the senator’s office said it had received 2200 so far. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has been helping Rodriguez reach his goal.

"Ever since this started people have been trying to help out the kids who are in Tornillo and the federal government has told us no and no and no." said Rep. Mary González, D-Clint. "But finally they did cave a little bit."

González said there’s actually 4000 kids now living at the facility. The temporary shelter is scheduled to close by the end of the year, but that's looking more unlikely given the number of children housed there and available bed space at other shelters. Sen. Rodriguez’s office said they’d like to have the soccer balls donated by Dec. 13.

Here’s how you can help:

• Order any item from a wish list available on Amazon. 

• Ship gifts to Rodriguez’s office at 100 N. Ochoa Street, Suite A, El Paso, TX, 79901.

Click the video link above to watch our full interview with Rep. Gonzalez about the toy drive and what lawmakers are pushing to improve conditions at Tornillo.