BETHLEHEM, PA - The need is real for thousands of families across the Lehigh Valley this holiday season, but one organization is stepping up - as they do each year.
- The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley is trying to fill 8,000 “holiday hope chests” this season
- The shoe boxes are filled with toys, gloves and more
- The organization is looking for donors and volunteers to help spread the holiday cheer
The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley hopes to fill 8,000 “holiday hope chests” as part of its annual campaign.
The shoe boxes are filled with toys, gloves and other items to bring cheer to children. More than 45 nonprofits have requested them, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley, Family Connection of Easton and several elementary schools.
“It’s important that people know it’s all local nonprofits being supported with this program,” said Karen Smith, CEO of the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley. “The nonprofits tell us what they need, and we put it out to the community.”
The Holiday Hope Chests program started over 20 years ago, and it’s still going strong.
Donors can be anyone from individuals giving a single box to corporations donating 600 boxes. Boxes are delivered to children from ages two to 17 and up, with items suggested based on age and gender. There are also gender-neutral lists.
“It’s important that people know it’s all local nonprofits being supported with this program.”Karen Smith, CEO of the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley
For those who want to go beyond donating, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Collecting so many boxes isn’t easy, and the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley only has a six-person staff. So every year, around 150 volunteers come together to help with the logistics of getting thousands of shoe boxes sorted, packed, and out the door.
“We’re able to do it because of the volunteers,” Smith said.
“The most impactful part of it is when we actually see the distribution to the children,” she said, “and hear the stories from them, of the joy that the shoebox brings.”
In-person volunteer opportunities will be from Tuesday, Nov. 29 to Saturday, Dec. 3 at 85 S. Commerce Way. More information can be found online, on their website.