ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Kirtland Air Force Base and the City of Albuquerque put smiles on dozens of family's faces on Wednesday with Santa, toys, and some good old fashion New Mexico posole. Serving up smiles through "Operation Holiday Cheer", roughly 150 families with kids took part in the city and Kirtland AFB's annual tradition on Wednesday. "It's a lot of work but at the end of the day, when you see our families, when you see our children, when you see that gift from Santa, it's absolutely priceless," said Anna Duran, volunteer at Kirtland AFB.  Story continues below Don't Miss: Why one farmer’s Chimayo green chile is gaining fame in the final frontier Crime: Albuquerque police seek information on pair accused in deadly stabbing Community: What did New Mexico look like before the dinosaurs? Crime: Man detained after being accused of a brutal beating in Albuquerque fast food restaurant Volunteers at the event inside the Cesar Chavez Community Center said they started collecting toys after Thanksgiving to help Santa fulfill kids' Christmas and holiday wishes. Alongside, the toys firefighters at the base spent the last two days cooking for their guests.  "Giving back to the community and cooking this much food for them, not everybody gets a home-cooked meal per se, it's not just the store-bought stuff," said Issah Archuleta, Asst. Chief with Kirtland Fire Dept.   The celebration's been going strong since 1977 starting with roughly 50 families. "It's sad to say that over the years we found more and more of a need especially now with the situation that's going on in our country," said Ronnie Dexter, volunteer.   The Crespin family is one of those who are happy to get help. "It's a tremendous amount of help. Really, really cuts our budget down quite a bit and allows us to spend on other things that we really need," said Daniel Crespin, father.   The volunteers said stories like Daniel's make what they do worth it. "We really make a point in pulling out the best gift for that child. Families are so grateful and we are grateful to be part of that story as well,” said Duran.  This was the 47th Operation Holiday Cheer and volunteers said they plan on doing it again next year.