This Saturday, December 12, the Anna House child care center on the Belmont Park backstretch will transform into a shopping mall filled with hundreds of donated items including clothing, toys, games and more.

It’s all set up to help the sons and daughters of backstretch workers at Belmont Park pick out Christmas gifts for their families and for themselves.

Because all the items were donated by organizations such as Toys for Tots, a foundation run by the U.S. Marine Corps, Toys for Hope, a Long Island-based charity, and other local organizations such as the Floral Park Lions Club and the Floral Park Women’s Club everything is absolutely free.

For the eighth consecutive year, Belmont Child Care Association executive director Donna Chenkin has coordinated the Anna House’s free shopping spree. The event began in 2002 with 20 attendees.

“Last year, we had about 375 kids,” Chenkin said. “This year, we’re expecting over 400. We’ve received so many great donations from local organizations, NYRA staff, trainers and owners. It’s just great to be able to help these kids and their families during the holidays.”

According to Chenkin, beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, all children under the age of 17 will be accompanied by a volunteer while they “shop” for family members and choose one gift for themselves. The gifts are then wrapped and sent home with the child.

There will also be an appearance by Santa Claus.

“It’s really a beautiful event,” Chenkin said. “We’re trying to help as many children and families and possible. This year we have about 35 volunteers, mostly from local churches and other local organizations.”

The Belmont Child Care Association, which was formed 11 years ago, is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to sustaining a child care center that meets the unique needs of the families working in New York’s Thoroughbred racing industry. Anna House, named in honor of lead donor Eugene and Laura Melnyk’s daughter, is located just inside Gate 6 in the barn area at Belmont Park.