The gifts are all wrapped and ready to be handed out at Good News at Noon in Gainesville.

All day Saturday, volunteers showed up to the ministry to help prepare donations for people in need during the holiday season.

"It will be like getting a Christmas present," said Edward Grant, pastor and director of the ministry.

Among the nearly 200 volunteers on hand were Gov. Nathan Deal and his wife, Sandra.

After A Day of Service that included four other stops in metro Atlanta, Deal concluded his day in his hometown.

"I thought this would be a good place to wind up a day of service for me and my wife," he said.

Even as a staggering economy has showed signs of life in recent months, many remain without jobs and struggle to get by.

"I've been very lucky," said Kim Martin, coordinator of Safe Kids Gainesville. "I have a home, I have a great job, I have a vehicle to get to and from. But a lot of people are down on their luck, especially with the economy."

Along with her daughter, Martin volunteered to help the people who may be suffering.

"I work mostly with children and I don't have a large amount of time to volunteer, but its's important for me to give back to the community, especially the adult community," Martin said.

Many people are living paycheck to paycheck and can't afford food, health care and clothes. The ministry and its volunteers hope to help.

"I think everybody who works in an organization like this has benefited from it," Deal said. "It makes people feel good seeing people sorting food, sorting clothing for those in need and feeding people who are hungry and in need."

Every single donation can make a big difference, Deal said.

"I think it has a tremendous impact. People that don't have anywhere else to turn can come here and get fed," he said.

Local Girl Scout troops also helped in the effort. Troop Nos. 10875 and 10811 from Gainesville welcomed Deal after an entire day of wrapping donation boxes.

It was a special occasion for Girl Scout Troops of America as well. The organization will turn a century old in March. To honor that birthday the troops donated various items in bunches of 100s.

"These girls have worked hard and they've been here working hard today," said Penny Smith, leader of troop No. 10875.

"It warms my heart to try to help somebody else. It truly does."