LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — Volunteers inside the activity room at Boscov's in Wilkes-Barre make the Adopt A Single Mom Project possible.
"We are an all-volunteer organization, and the moms would not be able to be gifted if it wasn't for the volunteers who shop and wrap and then deliver," said Donna Nelson, the founder of the Adopt A Single Mom Project.
Single mothers are nominated through the nonprofit's website, carrying on a tradition that was started in 2007 by Nelson.
"With the intent of recognizing and honoring those single moms who were, like me, working, often didn't qualify for subsidies or assistance, were raising their children as a solo parent."
Those moms who don't always have time or money to make sure Santa gets their Christmas lists in time.
Nelson says making sure single moms are not left off Santa's list makes a difference for the mothers and for the children as well.
"How exciting it was for the kids to see her have something to open too."
To keep everything a surprise, all the presents are delivered completely wrapped.
"We want the presents to be presented to the moms in a way that aligns with our mission, which is caring for them," Nelson said.
"It actually takes more time to remove the plastic tags out of it than it does to wrap it," said volunteer Allistair Hull. "A Christmas present should look like you care about them, you know, not just throw them together, and that's why I spend all the time doing the envelope corners."
The project has completed shopping and wrapping for 80 of the 200 single moms on their list this year. If you want to help volunteers complete their wish list, you can make a donation at the website.