FRACKVILLE, Pa. — Handing out presents isn't just the job of the man in the big red suit anymore. It's something the Schuylkill County Grinch does every year.
Underneath the mask is Chris Wagoner from Barnesville, who makes it his mission to collect presents to help make Christmas happen for his neighbors in need.
“We already started collecting donations of presents. And then about the 16th or 17th, we are going to be out handing the toys out to anyone who stops by,” said Wagoner.
His home is on the corner of Route 54 and Grier Avenue in Barnesville. He is opening his heart and house to give children a magical Christmas experience.
“Everybody needs help once in a while, and the holidays are the time to help out, so this is my way of giving back,” Wagoner mentioned.
Wagoner shares he lived through a similar reality as a child. He was raised by his personal hero, his grandmother.
“We didn't have too much money, so she did everything else to make me smile and whatnot,” he said.
Wagoner is determined to continue his grandmother's legacy working with organizations like the Frackville American Legion to host the Grinch Toy Drive.
Post Commander Brian Russell says the community in Schuylkill County needs this more than ever.
“The last few years have become more of a struggle. There's a great need for help in the community, so programs like this are amazing,” he said.
The week leading up to Christmas, Wagoner will open up his home to anyone who would like to pick up a present and spend some one-on-one time with the Schuylkill County Grinch.
He says giving back with his kids is his favorite family Christmas tradition.
“We like being there when the kids get the gifts. We like seeing the excitement when they see the Grinch,”
While the Grinch will start replacing Santa Claus the week leading up to Christmas, there is still time to give toys and monetary donations to the Grinch toy drive.
To participate in making Christmas special for a family in Schuylkill County, you can help fill the donation boxes at the following locations:
- Petal Pushers: 220 Claremont Ave #3, Tamaqua, PA 18252
- Frackville American Legion Post 398: American Legion Post, 40 S Mahanoy Street #398, Frackville, PA 17931
- The Schuylkill County Grinch's House: 795 Barnesville Drive, Barnesville, PA 18214
The distribution will be from December 17-24, every night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.