'Christmas in the City' co-founder Sparky Kennedy.Photo: Chaiel Schaffel/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — With just about one week to go before Christmas, a Boston-based organization is putting out a call for help.
Every year, Christmas in the City gives presents to families in need, providing them with some holiday cheer and joy, two things that may at times be in short supply for them.
Jake and Sparky Kennedy founded Christmas in the City back in 1989 as a volunteer, non-profit organization that runs non-denominational holiday events for children and families experiencing poverty and homelessness.
This year, Sparky said the non-profit, for the very first time in its history, has run out of gifts due to several factors including higher demand. "So, I don't know what the problem is, but I think we're not alone," Sparky said. "For the first time ever, we had 6000 requests [for gifts]. We never had that many," she said.
She said her organization needs more than 2000 presents to make sure all the kids on their list get something under the tree this year. "We've been doing this since 1989, and I'm going to bring every kid a toy somehow. We're going to make it work," Sparky said.
If you would like to donate, toys or gift cards can be dropped off at 34 Bromfield St., Boston until 6 p.m. Wednesday, or between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 19-22. Toys can also be dropped off at the valet or lobby of the Seaport Hotel at 1 Seaport Lane in Boston 24 hours a day through Thursday.
Click to view Christmas in the City's updated toy list
WBZ NewsRadio's Chaiel Schaffel (@CSchaffelWBZ) reports.