Holiday Hope Chests is entering its 19th year serving the greater Lehigh Valley community. Holiday Hope Chests is a national project adopted by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley to help less fortunate children living in the Lehigh Valley. Each year in the Lehigh Valley, generous supporters take part in the Holiday Hope Chests program- creating magical holiday memories for local children.

When we measure impact and numbers this is one program that we hope that we will see a decline in the need. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. Since 2017 this program has doubled in numbers with the 2019 requests from 40 local nonprofit organizations coming in over 10,000 boxes needed/requested.

We recognize that part of the increase each year has been our expansion of the program in the age range as well as the addition of gender-neutral boxes. We also know that we have been actively marketing this program to the nonprofit community through our social media, website and other means of promoting the program. Even said, there are 10,000 children/youth that this may be their only gift this holiday.

What we do know for sure is that 10,000 is a very tall order to fill. We have over 150 donors already pledging to help us meet the need. We know there are other holiday programs that compete for individuals, families and businesses each year to contribute / participate in a meaningful way to give back. Holiday Hope Chests is 100% a local program supporting the needs of those that live in our community.

For this year we are partnering with local business organizations for donations of items that can be included in the shoebox. Donations of $25.00 per shoebox can be given and will be used to shop for items to fill shoeboxes. There are many ways to help. All of the information for the program can be found on our website at www.volunteerlv.org/holiday-hope-chests

Thank you to our sponsors to date: Enterprise Holdings, Just Born, Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association, PennCap Properties and Uline.

The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley has been connecting our community to the needs for over 30 years. We work collaboratively with businesses and nonprofits to educate; coordinate and motivate the true spirit of community support through our days of service, educational programs and recognition events.