Meagan Murray of Hughesville was recently honored by The Lycoming County Fair Association for Meagan’s Box, her gifting project, that last year delivered 2200 gifts at Christmas time to those in need in the county.

Meagan was presented with a lighted box sign reading “MEAGAN’S BOX” by Cliff Yaw, vice-president of the Fair Association Board, and Mike Bieber, a Fair Association director. Cliff made the metal rebar box and used a plasma cutter for the lettering. Richard Gardner, also a Lycoming County Fair Association director, did the welding for the project.

Meagan’s Box began in 1998 when Meagan was 15 years old and felt strongly that all children should receive presents at Christmas. With the help of family and friends, Meagan’s Box was born and provided 36 gifts to children that year, working with the YMCA for referrals. Now, in its 24th year, annual giving is over 2200 gifts every Christmas. Meagan and her mom, Sue, shop throughout the year for the clothing and toys that are used for the project. “That way,” Sue says, “we can catch the different sales all year long.” Husband Jim Murray does all the “heavy stuff” throughout the year, according to Sue. In mid-December, gifts are moved to the Hughesville Fire Hall for “Wrap Night,” where around 100 people come to help.

Referrals for candidates to receive gifts must come from schools, churches and various agencies. On November 1st, Meagan and Sue receive the referral names for the year and begin calling the families to see what the children need. Besides children or families, deliveries are also made to the Son-Light House, the YWCA, WICK, the Aids Resource Center, Family Promise, Families United, Saving Grace (rescue for homeless, an American Rescue Workers affiliate), Bayada Pediatrics and to referrals from Lycoming County Children and Youth. Sue says that, “We also provide gift boxes with PJ’s, a book, and a stuffed animal for children from birth to 16 years for LCCY to have on hand for children coming into the system.”

In October of this year, 40 coats were distributed to various agencies and 59 pairs of shoes were given to Head Start at the Lutheran Church in Hughesville. Meagan says of Meagan’s Box, “I just love children and giving to them is a very important part of my life.” Sue adds that, “The love and generosity of so many people that give to this project, their time and money, just makes me cry. It’s not us–it’s them that make this all work.” Meagan works at the Center for Independent Living; Roads to Freedom, and Sue is a retired, beloved Ashkar Elementary school teacher. Donations can be made through Meagan’s Box Foundation on Facebook.