DAYTON — Linda Gabbard, co-founder and longtime president of the Project Christmas Smiles charity, died Monday, Feb. 18. She was 60.

Christmas Smiles evolved from the efforts of Barry Hobart, who hosted a local late-night show in the 1970s and '80s as Dr. Creep and began collecting toys for children in 1973.

He was soon joined by Mrs. Gabbard and their charity grew into one of the largest of its kind in the Miami Valley before it folded about two years ago.

"She was the most beautiful person in the world," said Mrs. Gabbard's son, Jerry. "She did a lot for other people and didn't ask for anything in return. If they smiled, that was enough."

Mrs. Gabbard had the same rule every year: No matter how many people signed up for Christmas gifts, each one would receive help, Jerry Gabbard said.

"We started every August and would wrap up in early January," he said. "It took a lot of work, but she loved it."

The charity ended after Mrs. Gabbard and other volunteers became too ill or elderly to sustain it.

Mrs. Gabbard also is survived by husband David and son Davy Jr. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today, Feb. 21, at the Magetti Gavin Funeral Home, 1508 Valley St., Dayton. The funeral will be 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at the funeral home.