Thousands weathered steady rain Saturday to get gifts and see Santa Claus at the seventh annual San Fernando toy giveaway. An estimated 3,000 children and their families were already inside Vista Middle School by noon, and hundreds more were waiting in a block-long line dotted by umbrellas and plastic covering toddlers in strollers. 'We expected a lot more, but we're just thankful that so many people braved the rain to bring their children,' said Wendy Nunez, one of dozens of volunteers. A carnival atmosphere entertained youngsters inside where high school volunteers manned game booths, served hot dogs and cotton candy and watched over kids playing in large inflatable play pens. But possibly the happiest kids were in the school auditorium where the line to see Santa was the big attraction. 'This is the first time that my little one has seen Santa, and I'm excited for him,' said Hilda Rodriguez of Reseda who brought her 11-month-old son Carlos. 'Look at all these children's faces. Santa brings so much joy. He's an angel.' Five-year-old Courtney Salas was in line to see Santa with her Christmas wish list written in crayons. 'These (things) in red -- those are what I really want a lot,' said Courtney. 'The ones in green -- those are my next favorites. The ones in blue -- if Santa's too busy, he doesn't need to get me those.' Possibly the least selfish child in line to see Santa was 6-year-old Armando Torres, who was more concerned about his 3-year-old brother Ricky. 'He's very shy and he doesn't talk a lot,' Armando said of his little brother. 'So I'm going to use my time with Santa to tell him what Ricky wants.' Minutes later Santa was told of Armando's selflessness and promised to give the youngster time to get in his own wishes as well. The toy giveaway was sponsored by Los Angeles police officers from the Mission Division, the LAPD Centurions and Project Living Hope. Gifts to the children were donated by JAKKS Pacific Inc. Toy Company of Malibu. Nunez said the adults helping out were especially proud of the high school students who were volunteering. 'If you know how hard it is to get teenagers out of bed before 8 a.m. on a Saturday morning -- and in the rain -- you know they really care to come out and do this. Gabriela 'Gabby' Hamilton, a senior at Kennedy High School, said the joy of volunteering far outweighed any personal sacrifice. 'I'm glad I'm here, rain and all,' she said. 'It's Christmas, and we're all in the spirit.' 'It's community service, and it's good to give back,' said Steve Leon, another senior from Kennedy High school. 'This makes me wish I was little again!' 