PITTSTON, Pa. — As elves with the Greater Pittston Santa Squad walk around a gymnasium filled with toys, they reflect on this record-breaking year for the Luzerne County nonprofit.
"It's grown from my apartment the first year to two storage units to a gymnasium in year six. You know we have support from the public. Everybody has just been amazing to us. I can't thank them enough," said Tony Marranca, the president and founder of the squad.
More than 900 bags are ready to go to a child in need in the greater Pittston area.
Another 600 children will get gifts from this Santa Squad through schools and other community programs.
"We're at the finish line. Yeah, we're confident that we'll get to every kid who asked for help. We'll take a few school districts with them. And ask for help from us. But yeah, we're ready to roll," Marranca said.
"I talk to the toys Friday night before they leave, say goodbye to everybody, and wish them well on their journeys. Hope they survive all the kids," said the group's vice president Gary Worosilla.
Toys will be rolling out on Saturday as families come to pick up their bags.
The only regret volunteers have is that they can't help everyone in need. They hope to get started earlier next year to continue to fill this need.
"The best way I could say is next year, if anybody does need help, please watch our Facebook page in late September, early October. Registrations will take place in early October. Our game plan is to move them a little earlier next year to try and give us a little more time on the calendar to be able to take on more volume," Worosilla said.
Volunteers hope to go from 1,600 children served this year to another record-breaking number next year.