An estimated 10,000 needy families from around the city got an early Christmas gift in the form of food for their holiday tables, or as organizers called "a miracle" for the holidays.

Long lines formed at upper Manhattan in the early morning and will continue until 6 p.m. as thousands of people waited in the cold for much needed food.

"Feed the Children," one of the participating organizations gave out about 643,000 pounds of food, personal care items, and even toys with the help of volunteers from other nonprofit organizations.

According to the latest statistics from the City Coalition Against Hunger, an estimated 1.2 million New Yorkers may not know where their next meal is coming from.

The NBA Players Union has been involved with Feed the Children for nearly four years, and says some local players have also pitched in.

"We've had at least five Knicks players who have each written checks for at least 10,000 dollars and each of them have purchased a tractor trailer full of food," said Billy Hunter, executive director of the NBA Players Association.

In addition to the players from the Knicks, Nets, Bulls and Lakers, 600 volunteers helped with food distribution.