Following his mother’s cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment, last year, Tyler Hartman decided to put on a gift drive for people dealing with chronic illnesses around the holidays.

Just 16 years old at the time, Hartman placed collection boxes around his hometown of Jim Thorpe, hoping to raise the spirits of families involved with Turn to Us Inc., a nonprofit he’s volunteered with for about three years.

Through that initial drive, Hartman raised over 400 gifts.

“It was a really good turnout,” he said.

Now a year older and a little wiser, Hartman is hosting the gift drive again — and he wants to outdo last year’s yield by at least another 400 gifts.

“I saw all the kids and how happy they were, and I was like ‘You know what, I got to do this again to help them out,’” Hartman said.

“I definitely want to get a lot more than last year,” he added. “Hopefully, the community can double it.”

Collection boxes will sit in the Mauch Chunk 5 & 10, Jim Thorpe Market, Turn to Us Inc. on Center Street and Pocono Pizza until Dec. 4.

A box will also be placed in Josiah White Park for the Jim Thorpe Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 6.

Hartman said he’s accepting a wide array of gifts, from toys for kids to appliances, cleaning supplies and clothes for adults.

“All contributions are greatly appreciated,” Hartman said.