SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY -- While many people spent Christmas Day inside with friends and family, Newswatch 16 found others working during the holiday in the Northern Tier.
With several gas stations closed for the day, people were still filling their tanks and buying snacks at the Convenient Food Mart off the Lenoxville exit along Interstate 81.
Liza Fajardo said many employees worked five-hour shifts at the 24-hour convenience store, so all of the workers would be able to spend some time with loved ones.
“I don’t mind, really,” said Fajardo. “People are traveling so they need people to give them service.”
Many of those Christmas Day travelers ended up at Elk Mountain in Herrick Township.
Denise Bowerman told Newswatch 16 that her family wanted to try something new for the holiday.
“Sometimes we come on Christmas Eve. This is the first time we came on Christmas Day,” said Bowerman.
Rhett Perdew said he was one of more than 60 people who volunteered to work on the slopes at Elk Mountain on Christmas Day.
“It's tough, but it's OK. I have my benefits for working here and that's fine. I get my time in,” said Perdew.
Anna Kirschner of Philadelphia told Newswatch 16 that she is appreciative of the people working on the holiday, so she could get out of the house and spend some time with her friends outdoors.
“I’m so grateful and thankful for everyone who is out here, working out here to keep this mountain going and to keep us able to be on the snow because I love skiing,” said Kirschner.