Thanks to the generosity of a local youth group, less fortunate children and their families will receive much-needed items in time for the holiday season.

Gifts were neatly packaged together when St. John XXIII Parish Youth Group, Tamaqua, held its 13th annual Christmas Wrap Party on Sunday in the St. John XXIII Alumni Room at 266 W. Broad St.Since 2004, the nonprofit organization has helped fill the Christmas Wish Lists of underprivileged children and their families throughout Schuylkill and Carbon counties with the help of its sponsors.Formerly known as St Jerome's Youth Group, the organization named its program Teens-Helping-Teens, according to Mary Ann Slivka, youth group adviser.Each year, Slivka said confidential Christmas wish lists are received from organizations such as PathStone, Access Services and through the parish.This year, lists were received from PathStone, St. John XXIII Parish, St John XXIII School, and through friends of the youth group, she said.Slivka and her daughter, Nikki, shop for most of the items on Black Friday, but a special shopping night is also set up so that all the youth group members have the opportunity to shop as well.Items are purchased according to each child's needs, and include much-needed items such as clothing, shoes and coats. At least one special wish list item, such as a toy, is also given.The youth group then wraps and delivers the gifts at their annual wrap party, Slivka said."This year, our teens were able to donate over $3,500 in much-needed clothes, shoes, food and toys, and would like to thank everyone who helped make this event possible, especially our donors," Slivka said.