CRANBERRY TWP — A nonprofit organization started by three township women aims to help more than 500 children in need this holiday season.

Neighbors for Neighbors provides presents to children throughout the area who may otherwise have not had much under the tree at Christmas, said Amy Roy, one of the founders of the group.

Roy said they began several years ago by helping children in and around Pittsburgh, when she found out the number of children in need in her own school district. At Seneca Valley, 17 percent of the K-to-12 student population qualify for free and reduced meals.

This year the group will help 156 students in the district.

“I can't describe for you how important Neighbors for Neighbors' work is for our students and families,” Seneca Valley Communications Director Linda Andreassi. “I've had parents cry during gift pick up and others have been brought to their knees at the generosity of this group. Neighbors for Neighbors and their kindness define the spirit of the season.”