UPDATE: The Valley Santa program is experiencing an unprecedented surge in gift requests this year, driven by the ongoing federal government shutdown and a state budget impasse. Organizers report that the need for holiday assistance is at an all-time high, prompting urgent action from volunteers and sponsors.
Local attorney Sarah Borland, who has been pivotal in running the program for decades, expressed deep concern about the current situation. “We are very concerned with supply problems. Prices have gone up,” she stated, highlighting the challenges faced by families in the community.
Valley Santa, a cherished holiday tradition in Wilkes-Barre, PA, has been supported by key sponsors including Boscov’s, M&T Bank, and local newspapers like The Citizens’ Voice and Standard-Speaker. The program, which aims to ensure that every child receives a gift during the holidays, began over 40 years ago, inspired by a young boy’s joy in receiving a Christmas gift at a Domestic Violence fundraiser.
As of November 7, 2025, Borland confirmed that the organization is facing a record number of requests for gifts, suggesting that early inquiries might indicate a rough year ahead for many families. “We are an organization of 300 volunteers who work hard to make sure every child has a present under the tree at Christmas,” Borland emphasized.
The significant increase in requests is alarming, as Borland noted, “It could be an indication that people are getting requests in early or it’s an indication it’s going to be a rough year for people. I do think it’s the latter.”
Volunteers are already hard at work, wrapping gifts and preparing for the holiday season at Boscov’s in Wilkes-Barre. Images from recent volunteering events show community members coming together to ensure that the spirit of giving remains alive during these challenging times.
To support this essential program, financial donations can be mailed to Valley Santa Inc., P.O. Box 5276, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711, or dropped off at any M&T Bank branch. Online donations are also accepted at valleysanta.org.
As the deadline for gift requests approaches, the Valley Santa team continues to mobilize their efforts. The impact of this initiative is profound, as Borland shared, “Children deserve joy. Presents at Christmas aren’t just about presents necessarily. It shows children are seen and loved.”
With the holiday season rapidly approaching, the Valley Santa program is calling for increased community support to meet the overwhelming demand. This is a crucial time for families in need, and every contribution counts.
The developments surrounding Valley Santa are a stark reminder of the pressing challenges many families face this holiday season. As the program gears up for what could be its busiest year yet, community involvement is more important than ever.
