CAN DO, Greater Hazleton’s economic development agency, has spent this Christmas season thinking of others through community outreach programs.

One of those, Operation: CAN DO, was launched nine years ago as a way to make the holidays brighter for local servicemen and servicewomen serving in the military abroad. Members of CAN DO’s Student Action Committee, made up of local high school students who plan and assist with special community projects throughout the year, collect items from schools, individuals and businesses. The committee then delivers the thousands of food, personal care and entertainment items to the American Legion Post 473 in Freeland. The American Legion places the items into care packages that are then sent to the military members.

This year, 22 packages were sent in time for the holidays as part of Operation: CAN DO. Another mailing will be done early next year.

Charles Burkhardt and Nancy Stasko are the advisers to the Student Action Committee. Stasko said, “We are happy to be able to share the joy of the holidays with the men and women who have given so much for our country and for others.”

Those with loved ones serving abroad can still submit names and contact information to CAN DO, c/o Nancy Stasko, 1 S. Church St., 200 Renaissance Center, Hazleton, PA 18201 or by calling 570-455-1508 or e-mailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CAN DO also presents a holiday gift to the community each year with CAN DO Community Christmas, held annually at the beginning of December for 21 years. CAN DO Community Christmas is coordinated by CAN DO’s Student Action Committee.

Hundreds of local residents came out to see children performing during this year’s event, held Dec. 4 at its new location, Christ Lutheran Church in downtown Hazleton. Groups that performed were the MMI Chamber Ensemble, the Hazleton Area High School Chamber Singers, the Hazleton Area High School Jazz Ensemble and the Heights-Terrace Elementary/Middle School third-grade chorus.

Visitors to CAN DO Community Christmas enjoyed cookies provided by the Keystone Job Corps Culinary Arts students and visits with Santa Claus, with Student Action Committee members acting as elves to help the children write letters to send to Santa. Sponsors were WYLN and Tootsie Roll and T-shirt sponsors were Gottstein and Hazleton Industrial Supply.

“We thank the Greater Hazleton community for its support of these events. On behalf of the CAN DO board and staff, I would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas,” said CAN DO President Kevin O’Donnell.