HERMITAGE GOOD FELLOWS Volunteers continue Christmas tradition

The Hermitage Good Fellows hope to help 150 needy families this Christmas.
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- There's a rumor that some of Santa's helpers are responsible for the noise and lights coming from the Hermitage city garage on Virginia Road on certain evenings each week.
It's the Hermitage Good Fellows, a group of anonymous volunteers working to make sure some needy city residents have an enjoyable Christmas.
It's a tradition that spans more than 45 years, starting out initially as an effort by a group calling itself the Hickory Good Fellows when Hermitage was still Hickory Township.
The group gathers canned goods and new and good, used toys for distribution to needy families on Christmas Eve.
When they meet: The volunteers, who come from all walks of life, gather at the city garage from 7 to 9:30 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in December preceding Christmas to clean and repair the used toys.
On Christmas Eve, the volunteers divide into groups and load their treasures and food into trucks for delivery to targeted families around town.
This year, the group hopes to help 150 families.
How to help: The Good Fellows are always looking for some additional help, and anyone wishing to participate is encouraged to show up at the city garage for one of the work sessions.
Those who want to donate to the cause can drop off new or repairable toys or canned goods during business hours at the city garage, Ponderosa Restaurant on East State Street or Rice Pool & amp; Spa on Easton Road. They can also be left at the Hermitage Fire Station on Highland Road between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily.
The group isn't accepting clothing, bicycles or old stuffed plush toy animals, although new plush stuffed toys are acceptable.
Those wishing to donate money can send a contribution to the Hermitage Good Fellows, 2511 Highland Road, Hermitage, Pa. 16148.
All contributions are used within the city of Hermitage.
Taking names: The group is also accepting the names of families in need of their help. Anyone wishing to nominate a family should sent a note to the Good Fellows at the Highland road address. The name of the family, the children's names and ages and their home address must be included.