As part of the 34th annual Hilltown Christmas, toys and clothes were donated and ready to be handed out to families from across Albany County ahead of the holidays.
“This is our biggest year yet,” volunteer Cheryl Apple said. “We have over 200 families that we are going to be helping today.”
What You Need To Know
- This is the 34th year of Hilltown Christmas
- The event provided presents for 250 children this year
- Items and money are collected through donations from the community
On Sunday, families drove into the toy-filled storage building and paired up with a volunteer to pick out gifts for their children this holiday season.
For many, this is their chance to provide the Christmas their children wanted this year.
“Every year we have a couple parents that break down into tears,” Cheryl said. “It’s such a warm feeling to know that all of our hard work is just appreciated. We are so happy to be able to help these people.”
The day is filled with laughter, friendship and fun, but most importantly, it builds a sense of community for all those involved.
When Sheriff Craig Apple, Cheryl’s husband, needed the support after numerous fundraising events were canceled, the community showed up.
“This year we needed people to step in or we would have had to dip into the reserves and sure as anything they stepped in,” Sheriff Apple said. “We raised more money this year than we’ve ever had. We bought more toys this year than we ever have. And we are able to serve more kids this year than we ever have.”
It was Elizabeth Hallenback’s first year coming to the event. And after considering all the options, she knew she came away with the right gift for her son.
“With my son being 10 he wants more of the expensive stuff, but I know seeing those Legos, his eyes are going to light up,” Hallenback said. “I just love it, I’m so excited.”
Knowing her family will have presents under the tree with the big day less than a week away, Hallenback says she can finally relax.
“Every day they were like let’s add this to the list, let’s add this to the list. And I was like Santa, he’s got a limit,” Hallenback said. “The elf’s already started making stuff. And I just want sure, and now I don’t have to worry about it. It’s fantastic, what they do here is amazing.”
