An annual gift-wrapping effort slated for Saturday in Boyers saw increased support this year for area foster children.

Michelle Marlowe, the director of Operation Foster Smiles, said the volunteer group is bigger than ever this year. The team collects donations from businesses and individuals, then spends a day in early December packing and wrapping gift boxes to give to the roughly 40 teenagers in foster care who are served by the Children's Aid Society of Mercer County.

The Mercer County group serves foster children in the region spanning from Erie to southern Pittsburgh, including Butler County. It's a regional hub for Pennsylvania's Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network.

Last year, about 30 volunteers showed up at Marlowe's house to wrap gifts.

This year, she said Friday, they are expecting closer to 50 people to show up. It's enough people that they're splitting the job into two shifts.

“We're pushing the limits of our space,” Marlowe said. “As many volunteers (who) want to be a part, we're probably going to seek a fire department out to host it next year.”

The teenagers receiving gifts are in foster care, but that generally means they're living in group homes or other less-than- ideal living circumstances, Marlowe said.

The region has more than 900 children in foster care, but only about 40 are teenagers. Younger children are adopted at much higher rates, but once a child reaches teenage years, they tend to leave foster care only by aging out of eligibility at age 18.

“These kids don't get stuff for Christmas,” Marlowe said. “These are kids (who) might sit in a group home by themselves on Christmas with only staff there with them.”

The teenagers set to receive the gifts will receive them during a Christmas party at the Children's Aid facility Thursday.

Operation Foster Smiles began in 2016, when a small group prepared small gift bags for the region's foster care teens.

This year, each child will receive several items, from toys and MP3 players to basic bedding and winter clothing.

Weighted blankets are included this time, Marlowe said, because they can be therapeutic.

Those wanting to contribute to the effort in future years should join the Operation Foster Smiles Facebook group.

Children's Aid Society of Mercer County can be reached at 724-662-4730 for those interested in adopting a child.