The basement social quarters of East End Fire Company in Tamaqua was converted into the equivalency of a Santa’s workshop Saturday morning.

Volunteers gathered and assembled food packages for 51 families and wrapped gifts for 170 children, said Thomas McCarroll, who oversees the program for the fire company.

The volunteers were members of the fire company, Notre Dame Club of Schuylkill County and Access Services.

The gifts and food were purchased by members of these three organizations as well as other clubs and individuals throughout the area.

McCarroll said the fire company has been organizing such a Christmas program for the past 20 years. “It started small but has grown every year,” he said.

His wife, Michele McCarroll, said the food and gifts are given to needy families throughout Schuylkill County as well as some families in the Panther Valley.

“The children get presents and each family get a turkey Christmas dinner,” said Michele.

Tom said some gifts are purchased by individuals who donate the items and others are purchased by individuals and are reimbursed. Several organizations give food and gifts, too.

The volunteers spend hours on Saturday wrapping the gifts for the children. Every child receives a gift and clothing item.

Michele said the names of recipients for the items are through recommendations made by the Tamaqua Area School District and the Learning Center of Tamaqua.