EAST STROUDSBURG, Monroe County — Every holiday season, the Olsen Christmas Wish makes Christmas magical for children in Monroe County. This year the non-profit will fill the lists of 200 kids.
"We live in the best community in America in my opinion they are constantly donating and constantly asking how they can get involved. This year we had a record year at our first event, so we are in great shape," said Officer Chris Shelly.
That generosity is now helping the non-profit expand its efforts to help families impacted by hurricane Helene.
Officer Shelly founded the Olsen Christmas Wish. He says they hope to provide gifts for 50 kids in the Chapel Hill and Asheville areas of North Carolina.
"I hope their parents are relieved and I hope the kids remember there is still magic in Christmas and that the future is bright," said Shelly.
On the walls of Rudy's Tavern in East Stroudsburg are these paintings that will be up for auction at the Black, Blue and Orange Social fundraiser on November 8th.
That fundraiser will be held at Pub 447 in East Stroudsburg from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
"So, Madelyn was one of our OCW kids when she was going through leukemia treatment in 2020. She's doing very well." explained Olsen Christmas Wish Board member Kelly Quaresimo.
"This is her way of giving back painting these so if you win, one of the paintings comes with a $250 gift card to Home Depot and the other comes with 8 tickets to Kalahari," said Quaresimo.
Officer Shelly says the gifts will be sent to the communities down south with the help of Monroe County natives and first responders Steve and Meg Witaker.
"We have the boots on the ground they know exactly where these things need to go and who to communicate with." said Shelly.
To learn how you can support the Olsen Christmas Wish click here.