Now in it's fourth year, Project Cheer continues to bring "cheer" for Schuylkill County families right before the holidays.
Four years ago, Frackville Police Officer Anthony Kankowski and his wife Heather, co-founded "Project Cheer" in the Frackville area of Schuylkill County as a way to spread happiness and cheer to a family that was in need for the holidays.
The project continues to grow and help more families in the process.
Due to COVID-19, the group was unable to deliver directly to the recipients homes like other years, but instead, the Gilberton Fire Company allowed the group to provide a central location for families to meet with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus and make some Christmas memories.
For 2021, the project, thanks to numerous businesses and donors, were able to assist three families that included 11 children. The three families were nominated by members of the community.
Santa brought a sac of presents for each of the children for them to open on Christmas morning with one present they were open on Saturday.
The families were treated to a meal on Saturday at the fire company and were only provided food for a Christmas meal and some extra treats.
The children were also treated to a reading of the Night Before Christmas by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Project Cheer specifically wanted to thank the local businesses that donated which included, the Family & Friends Walmart Transportation Team from Highridge Park, O'Connor Law, Ladies Auxiliary Club of the Friendship Fire Company, Bova Property Maintenance, New Hope Wesleyan Church, Frackville Police Department, Sosar Physical Therapy, Unity Mart, Alexandria's Salon and Spa, Sharon Shiner of State Farm Insurance, Adams Chiropractic, Knights of Columbus, Kowalonek's Kielbasy Shop, Pizza Place, Rae of Sunshine Boutique, Route 61 Hardware, and the Gilberton Fire Company.
Santa's helpers/elves helping out this year were David and Tammy Kupusnick, Jordan Sharp, Haley Leitzel, Aaron Sharp, and Kirstyn Kankowski.
