Ralph Rodriguez (right) at last year’s Holiday Donation Drive.
With the way 2020 has gone, some of us may be expecting nothing more than coal in our stocking to top off this unconventional holiday season.
But Ralph Rodriguez of the nonprofit All You Can Inc. is determined to spread holiday cheer to Harrisburg families through gift giving.
“It’s a different Christmas, but it’s still Christmas,” Rodriguez said. “We still must show our children hope is still here.”
On Dec. 19, Rodriguez and his team plan to distribute toys and hot meals to over 600 children and their families.
This will be the 8th year of their “Holiday Donation Drive” and it will be held at The Neighborhood Center of the United Method Church in Harrisburg. However, this year will look different than others, as Rodriguez said that the event will be grab-and-go style due to COVID-19. Families will stay in their vehicles and volunteers will load the food and gifts into the cars.
Each child will receive two presents, stuffed animals and stocking stuffers, along with a meal for their family.
“As a child, I faced neglect. I know how it feels to go without,” Rodriguez said. “If we can prevent a child from feeling this way, it’s worth it.”
Sponsors for the event include Boost Mobile, VILLA, Outback Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse on Union Deposit Road, among others.
Registration for the event has closed, but Rodriquez said that community members may still sign up to help at the event and make donations.
All You Can Inc. has been around since 2012, providing resources to at-risk families in central PA. In addition to their Holiday Donation Drive, they hold a winter coat drive, Thanksgiving community dinner, an Easter event and Father’s Day cookout, among other events.
For more information on All You Can Inc. or to get involved in the Holiday Donation Drive, visit their website.
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