In 14th Year, Norristown's 'Help A Single Parent' Spreads Light

NORRISTOWN, PA — A group of volunteers is working with the community to make this holiday season very special for a local family.

The Norristown-based "Help a Single Parent Foundation" is entering its 14th year of sponsoring holiday gifts for a family in need.

"We would like to help another deserving single parent make their Christmas holiday special by supplying them with food, toys, and whatever else we can to ensure an unforgettable holiday for families who are struggling raising children in a single parent environment," Tiffani Hendley, the secretary of the Foundation, wrote in an email to Patch.

Hendley, who is also the vice president of the Norristown Area School Board, said that the group is looking for both individuals who want to donate to the cause, and nominations for deserving families.

Any single-parent family in Norristown and the immediate area can be nominated, organizers said.

Nominations should include several basic facts: name of the parent, how many children are in the family, their home address, their contact information, and a brief summary of why this family deserves the presents.

Once nominations are received, the Foundation will meet with individual families before determining the winner.

"Last year was our best year and we are looking forward to an even bigger year for 2020," Hendley said.

It's not the group's only holiday season initiative. Leading up to Thanksgiving, they've already identified 100 needy families to receive a free Thanksgiving dinner.

The group is also holding an upcoming fundraiser for the 2020 season. The drive-up "NFL Tailgate" will be held on Sunday, Dec. 6 at Crazy Aaron's, which is located on 700 E. Main Street in Norristown.

Tickets are $50 per car, with up to five people permitted per car. There will be a Raiders game shown at 1 p.m. before the Eagles game at 4 p.m. The event, which includes prizes, raffles, and other games, is first come, first serve, and is BYOB. Social distancing and masks are required.

Email nominations to Mike Scott at hasp@helpasingleparent.org. For questions, call 484-313-0420. Donations can be made online.

This story is part of Patch's Headlining Hope series, which profiles local nonprofits and charitable organizations in need of volunteers and resources. If you know of a local organization that should be profiled, contact justin.heinze@patch.com.