Durham nonprofit issues urgent call to community to help sponsor almost 200 families for Christmas

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Triangle Nonprofit and Volunteer Leadership Center has issued an urgent call to the community to sponsor almost 200 families this holiday season.

Yates Baptist Church serves as the operations center and it hopes to have sponsors identified soon so they can distribute Christmas gifts to families by December 15.

"The clock is absolutely ticking. We hope the spirit of and magic of Christmas shows up in the next week," said Betty Lenah Njaramba. "It's a range of demographics that we serve. It's kids. It's families. It's foster care kids who have transitioned out of the system from 18-21 years old."

Durham County Social Worker Natasha Harcum said it's been a tough year financially for many families across the Triangle and some can't afford Christmas.

"Loss of income for food. People without jobs or reduced hours for jobs. In general, I just think families need a little extra support," said Harcum.

Eyewitness News met a few of Santa's elves who double as volunteers with the nonprofit as they worked diligently to wrap gifts. Kathleen Cirillo said it warms her heart to give back in this way.

"I always loved my kids having gifts. I can't imagine some little one not having a package to open Christmas day," she said.

Few donations have been collected so far, but the hope is people step up like they have in years past to donate gifts. If you have the urge to give back this holiday season, organizers believe families in need will certainly appreciate it.

"Either donating or volunteering your time or sponsoring a family. Whatever works for you is needed this time," said Njaramba.

If you'd like to support a family this holiday, visit the TNVLC Share Your Holidays website.

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