STATE COLLEGE — For many families in Centre County, Christmas can be a difficult time of year.
Some parents are forced to choose between putting food on the table or presents underneath the tree. Luckily, the Centre County Youth Service Bureau has once again successfully distributed gifts through its Christmas Crusade for Kids. The annual event, which began in 2014, is serving more than 350 children this holiday season.
Christine Bishop, CEO of YSB, talked about the history of the event, which began through a partnership with 105.9 Qwik Rock in State College.
“It’s really grown into this cool partnership with local media, churches, businesses and individuals,” Bishop said. “It really helps us in our mission in making sure that YSB kids get something from their wish list each holiday season.”
Bishop was quick to point out that even though the project is known as Christmas Crusade for Kids, it aids all families — no matter which holiday they celebrate.
“We make sure that no matter what holidays our families celebrate, all the kids that we work with have an opportunity to receive a gift through YSB,” Bishop said.
Since the event began in 2014, it has been full steam ahead. Even the COVID-19 pandemic could not slow it down.
“We were really kind of wondering how this would go and if there would still be interest in the community,” Bishop said.
At that time, she noted, Qwik Rock was changing hands to Schlesinger Communications, which is based in Lock Haven. Mark “The Shark” Schlesinger does his own toy drive every year for children in Clinton County. He made sure that the transition was seamless, Bishop said.
“He reached out to us. He had just picked up the station and he let us know he was really committed to continuing this holiday tradition. … He was more than willing to work with us,” Bishop said.
For the last three years, Qwik Rock has continued to help YSB collect toys, clothing and other items for the Christmas Crusade for Kids.
The way it works is simple. YSB employees get the word out to families. Children make wish lists, which are then distributed. Once the gifts are purchased, they are taken to YSB, where they are catalogued, wrapped and prepared for delivery.
“As soon as we have them logged that they came in, we’re letting staff know. … All week, we’ll have a team of about 58 employees here at YSB, and we all turn into elves,” Bishop said with a laugh. “This week, we’ll be connecting with all of our families and making sure that we get those gifts out to kids.”
She said that the items on the list vary from year to year, but there are always some toys that stand the test of time — such as Legos and sports equipment. Clothing — such as Penn State football gear — also finds its way onto many lists.
According to Bishop, many businesses step up. This year, one of the big ones was Jackson’s Bar and Grill in Winburne. It purchased items for more than 200 children.
“For the last six years or so, they’ve been strongly participating. They started by picking up 25 wishes. This year, they did 207. It was amazing,” Bishop said.
Bishop said that the one thing she really loves about Christmas Crusade for Kids is that children get to choose what they want — that they aren’t given a random gift.
“The kids feel like they are special. ‘I matter and someone cared about me.’ I just love that about it,” Bishop said.
While it’s too late to help the Christmas Crusade for Kids this year, there are other ways to help YSB.
“Our holiday giving campaign is going on right now,” Bishop said. “On our website, you can see where your money goes and how it helps. You can donate online, right there.”
If you can’t make a financial contribution, there are other ways to help, such as volunteering time through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
“I always say, ‘Consider giving the gift of time.’ All year long, we serve children and their families through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program,” Bishop said. “We are 100% reliant on volunteers. If you have an hour a week, reach out to us. … We have kids on our waiting list ready to be matched.”
For more information about the Christmas Crusade for Kids, YSB or the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, visit ccysb.com.
