Friends of East Goshen Stuff Santa's Sleigh And Help 11 Families

EAST GOSHEN TOWNSHIP, PA — An East Goshen Township nonprofit launched a new project this year aimed at raising $1,000 and gathered nearly three times that amount to help families in need.

The Friends of East Goshen recently completed its inaugural "Stuff Santa’s Sleigh" donation drive and reported the project's first year was incredibly successful.

The 501c3 organization said it had hoped to raise $1,000 but found East Goshen Township had the holiday spirit and gave much more; residents donated $2,786 during the short 10-day fundraising window, according to East Goshen Township Parks and Recreation Director Jason Lang.

The Friends of East Goshen worked alongside East Goshen Township and the West Chester Area School District to identify 11 families who will each receive $250 Giant gift cards.

The outpouring of support did not surprise Friends of East Goshen Township Chair Danny Leicht.

"Community is about being there for one another especially in times of hardship. I am happy to announce through the caring generosity of the residents of East Goshen and neighboring communities the first annual Stuff Santa's Sleigh Holiday Donation Drive ran by the joint effort of the Friends of East Goshen and the East Goshen Township Park and Recreation Commission was a remarkable success," Leicht said.

"I am very proud of all the work that was behind this drive to reach this goal and very grateful to all the donors who truly showed what the community and Christmas Spirit is all about," he added.

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 marlene.lang@patch.com.