First Lady Susan Corbett, State Employees Bring Holiday Cheer to Pennsylvania Families in Need

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- First Lady Susan Corbett, Secretary of Public Welfare Gary D. Alexander and representatives of the departments of Health, Transportation and Labor & Industry today helped holiday wishes come true for Pennsylvania families in need at the 22nd annual state employee holiday gift drive. 

"Out of concern for those in need, many state employees have volunteered to 'sponsor' families for the holiday season," said First Lady Susan Corbett. "After months of planning and fundraising, 240 families will now have presents to open on Christmas morning."

Known as the Holiday Wish program, the voluntary effort was begun in 1989 by a small group of Department of Public Welfare employees. Over the years, it has grown to include hundreds of generous employees. This year, employees in the departments of Health, Transportation and Labor & Industry are also taking part.

"This shows the spirit of true public servants. At DPW, our employees help families and individuals in need on a daily basis," said Alexander. "Today they take it a step further by bringing joy to families and older adults across the state on Christmas morning."

The families and older adults in need were identified through county assistance offices, a senior citizen complex serving older adults in need, and a community action agency. They list a few gifts they would like to receive and state employees then choose to sponsor family or individual. Gift recipients remain anonymous and employees voluntarily participate.

New to the program this year, stuffed animals were donated by the Department of Labor & Industry's safety inspection office. The inspected toy samples will be distributed to families with children as an additional gift. 

The Pennsylvania National Guard plays an important role in helping to deliver the gifts. The wrapped presents are loaded onto their trucks and driven to participating county assistance offices for delivery to the recipients.

Media contact: Carey Miller or Anne Bale, DPW; 717-425-7606

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare