The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley recently announced its Holiday Hope Chests is entering its 20th year serving the greater Lehigh Valley community.

“Holiday Hope Chests is a national project adopted by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley to provide youth in our community some joy for the holidays,” Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley CEO Karen Smith stated in a press release to The Press.

Each year in the Lehigh Valley, generous supporters take part in the Holiday Hope Chests program creating magical holiday memories for local children.

This year has been a challenge and more than ever the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley needs your help.

Forty-two local nonprofits have submitted their needs for Holiday Hope Chests and they have requests for 8,000 plus or minus wrapped and filled shoeboxes.

“We also know that large group gatherings for collections and shopping may not be feasible for many, so we have made some adjustments to our program,” “For 2020 we are encouraging our donors to collect and wrap shoeboxes, shop online and drop off your items (or have them delivered to us directly),” Smith said. “If you are not able to participate directly, you can donate directly on our website to support a child/box. Twenty-five dollars fills a shoebox and we have volunteers who are willing to shop for us and fill boxes.”

Smith said the nonprofit organizations that receive boxes include Boys & Girls Clubs of America, YMCAs, children centers, schools and many more.

“We know the need is significant and we need your help to ensure we can deliver “happiness in a shoebox,” Smith said. “As of today, we are just over 50 percent of our goal of 8,000 shoeboxes not including the online donations that are coming in both from shoppers and financial pledges.

“Our team here at the Volunteer Center together with amazing corporate supporters, individuals and clubs look to you to help us promote this need and fill the order. Every box makes a difference.

There are many ways to help.”

All of the information for the program can be found at www.volunteerlv.org/holiday-hope-chests.

“Thank you to our sponsors to date: Crayola, Just Born, Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association, PennCap Properties, Harbor Freight and Action Party Rental,” Smith stated. “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.”