ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- It was a $15,000 shopping spree that lasted just one hour and it was all to help needy kids in Central Florida. The U.S. Marine Corp kicked off their annual Toys for Tots campaign Wednesday at the Toys R' Us on West Colonial Drive, but there are concerns the bad economy could mean a lean holiday season for charities.

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TOYS FOR TOTS: More Info From 9 Family Connection

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The campaign got off to a good start. Local charities hope the start Toys for Tots got Wednesday is a sign that charitable giving is making a comeback. It took the Marine reservists less than one hour to run up a $15,000 tab, but Toys R' Us is picking up the entire bill.

Many of the Marines took their last orders in a war zone, but Wednesday they were experts at one thing, Christmas shopping. Cart after cart filled with toys passed through the checkout lanes before the store ever opened.

“To us, it's overwhelming when we can put those smiles on the kids' faces Christmas morning,” Sergeant Michael Diaz, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve said.

It's the 62nd year the Marine Corps reserves have collected toys for underprivileged tots and the charity has seen plenty of economic downturns. Charities are facing a decline of up to 5 percent this year, but some experts say this Christmas could be the season that charities get right back to where they we're a few years ago.

Even for those who can't afford to help, one thing that is not in short supply this year is time.

“We look for volunteers and we get them. We get calls on a daily basis, overwhelming wanting to volunteer, wanting to give their time because they can't afford to give donations,” Sergeant Diaz said.

The toys collected Wednesday are only a fraction of the number they expect to get from toy donations. In addition, Toys R’ Us will give the U.S. Marines one more crack at the shelves. In three weeks, they'll do it all again.