With another holiday season upon us, New York Cares is trying to spread the cheer to New Yorkers in need through its 22nd annual Winter Wishes for Kids and Families program.

The initiative helps fulfill holiday wishes for those unable to purchase holiday gifts.

"This year we're answering 32,000 letters from children and families who might not get a gift for the holiday time if it weren't for our program,” said New York Cares Executive Director Gary Bagley.

The gift drive is supported by more than 50,000 volunteers helping 1,200 non-profit agencies. Among those taking part is the Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation, which helps families in Washington Heights and Inwood.

“Many of our clients do not have the basic resources, education, employment, financial resources,” said Michael Perrone of the North Manhattan Improvement Corp. “It is our mission to serve these individuals."

There are still 2,000 letters that need to be answered, and the hope is to have those wishes filled by Thanksgiving. But New York Cares is ahead of the game. It had double the number left to fill at the same time last year.

"Within about two weeks, the gifts will be coming in, and we'll be calling the children and their families to come pick up their gifts, and to see the faces, to see the smiles, as they open their gifts, is absolutely priceless,” Perrone said.

"We do feel good about this and this is an indication that New Yorkers are really stepping up,” Bagley said.

But, at the same time, Bagley said demand for the program continues to rise.

"More agencies are coming to us. They hear about the program. Unfortunately, right now we've not been able to take on any additional agencies, but we are really hoping to be able to grow this program in the coming years,” Bagley said.

Until then, New York Cares is doing what it can. And staff members say the experience is gratifying.

"At New York Cares, we are in a unique opportunity to connect thousands of New Yorkers who want to give back to the neediest of families,” said Lauren Rothschild of New York Cares.

"It's just really kind of overwhelming to see the kinds of things they ask for around Christmas time, not just toys, like peace on earth, things for their family,” said Steeven Nelson of New York Cares. “They have a lot in their hearts."

New Yorkers have until Wednesday to request a wish letter to answer. For more information, go to nycares.org.