Allegheny County group says inflation is keeping Secret Santa volunteers away

High prices at stores as a result of inflation have left an Allegheny County-based group struggling to find Secret Santa volunteers to buy gifts for families in need this Christmas.

In response, the Angels of Allegheny County, a Facebook group formed in 2019 that has more than 2,000 members, is working overtime to recruit more volunteers to fulfill its mission of “paying it forward,” said Nikki Craig of Harrison, who runs the group’s Facebook page.

“Everything’s so much more expensive, so nobody really has the money this year,” Craig said. “I’ve tried so many different things. I reached out to the flea market groups and neighborhood groups, and I get the same answers from a lot of people: It’s going to be really rough because everyone’s trapped and struggling this year.”

With roughly 20 families requesting aid, she said, there are only six volunteers.

The group helped five families in 2020 — as the pandemic spurred economic woes nationwide — and 12 families last year.

Craig’s concerns come as the county sees inflation rates of more than 8%, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said earlier this month. Consumers in the meantime are concerned about inflation’s impact on their holiday experience and expect to pay more for gifts this Christmas.

Families that benefited from the group’s work in the past say it saved their Christmas.

Melanie Holbrook’s family in Harrison received gifts last year. The gifts, including clothes and toys, were for Holbrook’s 5-year-old daughter.

“I went and picked up a whole bunch of stuff for my daughter,” Holbrook said. “I didn’t have anything for her. If it weren’t for them, there wouldn’t be any Christmas.”

Amanda Tiani of McKees Rocks, who was a single mother of a 2-year-old and 6-year-old child last year with no income, echoed the importance of the program.

“It benefited me because they were able to have something on Christmas morning, and without it, they wouldn’t be able to have a Christmas at all,” Tiani said.

Those wishing to volunteer can contact Craig on the group’s private Facebook page or contact her via email directly at nikkicraig60@gmail.com. Craig also set up a GoFundMe page with a goal to raise $2,000, which, as of Wednesday afternoon, had not received any donations.

Despite that, Craig said only those who are certain they will be able to help should look to get involved.

“I’ve had Santas, sometimes the day before Christmas, tell me they can’t do it,” Craig said. “I can’t let these kids down, so I’m scrambling to find someone to help them.”

Members of the Angels of Allegheny County group also assist residents with aid, such as baby formula, and resources to find emergency housing.

While the group originated in 2019, the Secret Santa program began in 2020. This year, it aims to help families with older children who might not qualify for other programs, such as Toys for Tots.

Through the program, members anonymously provide gifts for families in need. Craig encourages small-ticket items such as gift cards totaling up to $60.