VALLEY SANTA: Local mother can't work more due to high child care costs

Nov. 17—Laura, a local mother, just started a new job but said she can't work many hours because she doesn't have enough money to pay for a babysitter.

"We are struggling with everything," Laura wrote in a letter to Valley Santa. "We are trying to work as much as we can but it's still not enough."

She asked for Valley Santa's help in providing Christmas presents for her children.

"This would honestly be so helpful. I would appreciate it so much," she wrote. "I know the kids would be happy with everything."

Laura's letter was one of many letters mailed to Valley Santa from parents struggling to make ends meet.

In another letter, local mother Beth also asked for Valley Santa's help since her husband's hours were cut at his job.

"Since he has taken a cut in pay, we have been struggling to pay the bills," Beth wrote. "With the help of Valley Santa, we will be able to provide our kids with gifts for Christmas."

How to donate: Donations may be mailed to Valley Santa Inc., P.O. Box 5276, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711, or dropped off at any M&T Bank branch to purchase Christmas gifts for children in need in Luzerne County. People also can donate online at valleysanta.org.

How to request help: Write a letter to Valley Santa, P.O. Box 5268, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711, explaining the need that exists in as much detail as possible. Include your name, the names, ages and genders of your children, address, ZIP code and telephone number. The letter must be co-signed by a clergy member, case/social worker or school or health personnel and must include their address and evening telephone number for confirmation. Requests will be considered for children ages 12 and younger. No telephone requests will be accepted.

How to volunteer: Volunteers are needed to shop for gifts beginning at 7:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and to wrap gifts 5:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Boscov's in Wilkes-Barre. Volunteers also are needed to read letters from families in need. Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to call Help Line at 570-829-1341 or go to pa211ne.org.

Contact the writer:

dallabaugh@citizensvoice.com 570-821-2115, @CVAllabaugh

___

(c)2022 The Citizens' Voice (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.)

Visit The Citizens' Voice (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.) at citizensvoice.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.