Governor Corbett Joins State Employees to Donate Gifts for Pennsylvania Families in Need

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today announced that more than 200 Pennsylvania families in need will receive gifts this holiday season donated from state employees during the 23^rd annual Holiday Wish program gift drive.

The governor spoke at the send-off event today featuring cabinet secretaries and executives from the Departments of Health, Labor & Industry, Public Welfare and Transportation.

Members of the Pennsylvania National Guard loaded the wrapped gifts onto their trucks and delivered them to participating county assistance offices for distribution to the families.

"This event brings hundreds of state employees and the Pennsylvania National Guard together each year to make the holidays a little merrier for less-fortunate families," Corbett said. "All of those who participate in this program have tremendous hearts and I want to thank them for their time and energy to make this happen each year."

The Holiday Wish program was started in 1989 by a small group of Department of Public Welfare employees. Over the years, it has grown to include hundreds of employees in several departments.

The families and older adults in need were identified through county assistance offices, a senior citizen complex serving older adults in need, and a community action agency. They list a few gifts they would like to receive, and state employees then choose to sponsor a family or individual. Gift recipients remain anonymous, and employees voluntarily participate.

Media contact:    
Kirsten Page, Governor's Office, 717-783-1116
Carey Miller, DPW, 717-425-7606

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

RELATED LINKS
http://www.governor.state.pa.us