Between the hustle and bustle of getting those last minute gifts together, many people forget about the less fortunate around the holiday season.

But not Sharon's Angels. These kind-hearted folks are taking the reins for Santa, delivering gifts to 27 families and 76 children throughout Lehighton, Lansford, and many other local areas this year."It's for the needy families and children who have nothing around Christmas time," Linda Fritzinger, a Sharon's Angels volunteer, said. "If a family needs us, we're there for them."And the kids couldn't be any more excited."Merry Christmas!" Jaden Politi, 15, exclaimed to the group as they filed into his Lansford home with gift bags for him and his sisters Rebecca, 10, Grace, 8, and Alexis, 8.The Politis, especially Jaden, are thrilled to see the angels arrive - and it is not just the gifts that promote the holiday spirit, but the camaraderie and care from the community. Jaden was thrilled to talk to the group, and even break out into a dance."I think that it's amazing that they go around and help families, because a lot of hard times happen around the holidays," Adrian Politi said. "People have depression, and other issues. And the kids, you don't want to see them sad. This is the time of year when everyone's cheerful. It's not even about the presents for them as much as it is all the people. They love the energy of Christmas."But, of course, the gifts are great, too."I appreciate it," Rebecca said as she played with her new Barbie. "I'm excited because I never had a gift like this before."The organization, which is celebrating its third year of gifting joy and excitement to children - along with new bicycles - began when Fritzinger's best friend, Rose Warner, lost her sister, Sharon Goho, to cancer."She started doing this to help needy children, because her sister loved children," Fritzinger said.Sharon's Angels operates without any sponsorship, receiving donations of money and gifts from members, family, and friends. Warner, who had personal experience growing up in a tight situation, considers the project a labor of love for a good-hearted group of people."It feels so good," Warner said. "I was one of 10, and we got help when we were kids. I just want to pay it forward."The group works for months in order to collect enough toys, clothing, and other necessities for the Christmas deliveries. Recipients are referred to the angels from outside sources."We get a lot of names through the school, the Head Start program, and word-of-mouth, people who know other people who need help," Warner said.Deliveries of Christmas presents and holiday cheer have been going on since Thursday, and will run until today."They just bring all of that spirit and energy with them, when they come in, you can't help but to be excited," Politi said.In the end, both Warner and Fritzinger said that all of the effort is well worth it, allowing children in need to have a great holiday experience."It's very emotional. You see the children that have nothing," Fritzinger said. "When you get there, it's very teary-eyed. They hug you, they tell you how much they love you. I feel when you do this, you have a happy heart."