SCRANTON, Pa. — Toys, games, and toiletries are spread out on the table inside The Catherine McAuley Center on Pittston Avenue in Scranton. The center is partnering with Friends of the Poor and Catholic Social Services to put gifts under the tree for about 5,000 kids and teens in need this holiday season.
Ann Montoro Williams is the Stewardship Manager for The Catherine McAuley Center and Friends of the Poor.
"We want to make sure that everyone that comes to us, in need, for Christmas, you know, has something under their tree," Williams says.
Mary-pat Ward, the center's and Friends of the Poor's development director, says the organizations are looking for help from the community to make those holiday wishes come true.
"So, we at this time are looking for unwrapped gifts for all different ages. 0 to 18."
With toys and trinkets for every kid in need, the center says tweens and teens are often overlooked regarding gift donations.
"You know, the high school-age children. You know, earbuds and speakers, and you know, maybe a hoodie or a journal, a book, razors, things like that," said Williams.
Ward adds, "Journals and board games. Gift sets of bath and body works kind of items."
The gifts will be distributed at the University of Scranton's Byron Center on December 15th and 16th. This year, there's an extra distribution day on the weekend to make it easier for working parents.
"Because they were working, right? And still in need but very much working and did not want to miss any pay, especially around the holidays can be tough. So we wanted to provide a day where those families can come and be able to do that," Ward explained.
For more information on the gift for kids event or to find out where you can drop off a gift, visit The Catherine McAuley Center's Facebook page here.