SCRANTON – While most people are thinking about barbeques and beach trips this time of year, Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton is already thinking about Christmas – and the thousands of children who would otherwise go without gifts this upcoming holiday season.
This July, the Scranton and Carbondale offices of Catholic Social Services have launched a special ‘Christmas in July’ toy drive.
The goal?
To get a jump start on collecting donations for the annual ‘Gifts for Kids’ program, which brings hope and joy to families in need across northeastern Pennsylvania each December.
“People are often strapped around the holidays. They don’t always have extra cash or extra time, so we thought if we can get ahead in July, it will help us be prepared, Jolette Lyons, Director of Lackawanna County Offices for Catholic Social Services, explained.
Each year, with the help of local parishes, generous donors, and volunteers, the ‘Gifts for Kids’ initiative provides presents to more than 5,000 children in the greater Scranton area. Families who pre-register for the program get the chance to personally choose gifts their children will love.
This summer’s focus comes with a special request.
“Our focus age group is adolescents – ages 11 to 17 – because they’re often the overlooked group,” Lyons added.
Teenagers are often the most difficult age group to shop for – and unfortunately, they’re also the most likely to be left out. That’s why the ‘Christmas in July’ appeal is specifically focused on collecting age-appropriate gifts for adolescents, such as sports equipment, Bluetooth speakers, makeup kits, art supplies and more.
“We have set up a QR Code and have a link to an Amazon Wish List where the gifts get shipped directly to our office. We keep an inventory of everything that comes in and we will use it for ‘Gifts for Kids’ in December,” Lyons said.
Monetary donations are also welcome and will go directly toward purchasing gifts for children in need.
To donate or learn more, visit dioceseofscranton.org or click on the QR codes on the graphic below.
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