CHESTNUTHILL TOWNSHIP -- Teri Buerkle from Effort is hoping to spread a little extra Christmas cheer this holiday season.
She's hoping to fill more than 200 shoe boxes with gifts for children in need in Monroe County's west end.
It's all part of a project called "The Christmas Shoe Box."
"We found out that kids may not have gifts because of their circumstances. So I sat here late one night and based on the national project and decided, why not keep it at home and give back to the community and our own children," said Teri Buerkle.
The boxes will be handed out to children ages two to 13 later this month at the West End Food Pantry in Brodheadsville.
Buerkle says getting involved is easy; all you need is a shoe box and some odds and ends.
"Stuff from socks, toothbrushes, coloring books and crayons, little dolls that fit into boxes, stuffed animals, hats gloves, it has been quite different, perfumes, nail polishes, it's all been going in," said Buerkle.
About 20 of the Christmas Shoe Boxes are packed up and ready to go but more are still needed to ensure each child has something to open up this holiday season.
Kelly Randis from Long Pond is helping in a big way.
The local author is giving $10 to the first 100 people who show up to Dollar Tree in Brodheadsville this Saturday. Each person will be able to fill a box.
Randis says this project hits home for her.
"I've been there so I know what it's like. My family had to rely on things like Toys For Tots and donations from people, whether it was family members or people in our neighborhood, so I get it. I've been there so anything I can do as an adult. I'm a mom to two little girls and I totally understand so I want to do what I can to help out," said Randis.
If you'd like to donate a box, you have until December 13 to do so.
For more information, including drop-off locations, click here.