Amidst a colorful array of toys, a volunteer dressed in a whimsical Grinch onesie takes a brief nap, embodying the holiday spirit at a unique event in Carbondale.
Trish Smith, a dedicated volunteer, brings joy every year by dressing up, joined by her equally festive dog, Leia, who dons the guise of the Grinch’s loyal companion, Max. “Every year I dress up to try … to bring a lot of cheer to people,” Smith commented.
The toys surrounding Smith are part of the Diocese of Scranton’s Gifts for Kids program, an initiative by Catholic Social Services that allows families to choose holiday gifts. The event, held annually, sees families “shopping” for presents that will grace their Christmas trees and fill their stockings.
Smith, reflecting on her long-term involvement, noted, “I’ve been doing this for a very long time. I get to see the usual faces. This year though, we’ve seen different faces than we have ever before.” She added, “It brings me joy to give back. As a child I wasn’t as fortunate myself, so it’s something I can give back to the community.”
Jolette Lyons, who heads the Lackawanna County Catholic Social Services, was busy checking in families at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. A total of 279 families registered for the event, highlighting the increasing need for such programs. “Every parent wants to have a great Christmas for their child … so our ability to provide this service for several years now for the Upper Valley, it’s really important to us,” Lyons expressed.
Increased interest accompanied by increased charity for holiday gift drive
Dominique Draper, the supervisor of relief services, noted a notable rise in interest in the Gifts for Kids program, likely due to economic pressures. “It’s hard enough to put food on your children’s table rather than get them toys for the holiday,” she stated. The surge in interest was matched by a rise in donations, both from parishes and through fundraising efforts.
“The increase in toys and gifts we saw was insane,” Draper continued, praising the community’s generosity. “Even the quality of the donations has really increased and it’s just been incredible to see.”
At the event, toys were arranged by age group on tables, and families were guided by volunteers, including one dressed as Santa Claus, to pick out gifts. Each family received a large bag and a clipboard to help them select appropriate gifts based on their children’s ages.
Among those benefiting from the program was Justin Paduani, who shopped for his 11-year-old twin boys, a four-year-old daughter, and a two-year-old son. “My kids are not ungrateful, so they’re happy with anything,” Paduani shared. “Just to be able to come here and do this for them, it’s a blessing for me.”
This event marked Paduani’s second year participating in the Gifts for Kids program. “They’re my best friends. I don’t have anybody else, I got them,” he said. “To be able to do this for them…it’s a big impact.”
For families in the Scranton area, another Gifts for Kids distribution is scheduled at the University of Scranton, organized by Catholic Social Services, Friends of the Poor, and the Catherine McAuley Center. Although pre-registration is closed, eligible families can select gifts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Sunday to Wednesday, Dec. 17.
