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Wishlists May Be Left Empty For Some Boston Foster Families

BOSTON (CBS) - Erika Vargas is a social worker who helps deliver donated presents to families in need every year, but sometimes she has to deliver bad news.

"It is pretty heartbreaking all of a sudden you see them change, their shoulders drop that's why when we start we tell them it's just requests, there's no guarantee things are gonna come in," said Vargas.

And a lot of wishlists may be left empty at the Home for Little Wanderers. The non-profit helps foster children and families in need. The organization says donations for kids over the age of 13 are down 33% compared to last year.

WBZ-TV's Alana Gomez reports

"For our kids to wake up on Christmas morning and not have anything under the tree or not to be able to tell their friends that they got something, that's really heartbreaking for me," said Colleen Fitzpatrick, Director of Volunteer and Community Outreach.

Fitzpatick says store gift cards and electronics are some of the top requests, but some teens are just asking for help supporting their family.

"We do have a lot of teens who are very responsible," says Fitzpatrick. "They have a Stop and Shop gift card on their wishlist because they're trying to help their family put a meal on the table."

The deadline for donations is 8p.m. Thursday. Those interested can go online to www.thehome.org to find gifts still needed.

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