CARBONDALE, Pa. — Tables of games, toys, books, and more filled the St. Rose of Lima Church's community room in Carbondale on Wednesday.
Catholic Social Services hosts this gift distribution every year to help families who are struggling during the holidays.
"They're able to pick out what they want to, so they're actually shopping for their children instead of us kind of just giving them things, so they have a variety of stuff," volunteer Trish Smith explained.
This year, more than 350 children in the greater Carbondale area will receive some of these nearly 3,000 items, all donated to help the cause.
"It's actually pretty amazing that there's people out there that actually help out this much," one participant said.
Some of the parents say this program means so much to them to give their children the holiday they deserve during a time when finances are tight for many.
"It helps out, especially with today's society, with bills and prices of everything. It definitely helps."
"I thought about not paying the bills this month, but I have to. I don't want to be in the streets with the kids, so I decided to pay the bills. Thank God there's places that help with free gifts."
The holiday spirit was in full swing as volunteers, both two- and four-legged, helped families bag up the gifts.
Smith says this is her sixth year of volunteering for this program, and she looks forward to it every year.
"I know how it feels not to have stuff, so it brings me joy. I like to dress up, too."
Families were also given wrapping paper, gift bags, and bows for all the gifts.