At the Everhart Museum, wrapping-paper enthusiast Camille Dantone is ready for any winter holiday. United Cerebral Palsy of Northeastern Pennsylvania has wrapped gifts to raise money for decades. At the Albright Memorial Library, staff can deploy a custom-made tool for tying bows.
Several nonprofits and libraries are there to put fun, free or low-cost options and a little flair into gift wrapping. “It’s a holiday thing that everyone needs and not everybody enjoys,” said Valley View High School Spanish teacher Stephanie Decker.
VV International Travel Club in Jessup Sunday
Decker’s students in the VV International Travel Club are wrapping on Sunday at the St. Ubaldo Society, 310 Third Ave., Jessup, from noon to 4 p.m., in exchange for donations toward a trip to Spain and Portugal.
“We wanted to provide a service, because with fundraising, nobody wants to sell tangible items anymore, or it’s not a success,” Decker said. “And we wanted to provide a service to the community where the members of the community can decide how much to donate.”
Some Valley View students who wrapped gifts Thursday came dressed for the occasion: Giada Costa, Molly Conway, Lily Smith and Maddy Dench. (Courtesy of Stephanie Decker)
Materials for gift wrapping are available for those that attend the gift-wrapping workshop at the Everhart Museum Friday, December 5, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Around 15 students have paper, boxes, bags and trimmings of all sorts. The designs and colors go beyond just Christmas. Sometimes parents bring their own wrapping paper, designating a different design or color for each child.
Decker said her students pour their hearts into the right look. “They put a little extra thought into detail and finesse,” she said.
The club wrapped on Thursday night. Sophomore Dakota Paisley folded paper into triangles to create a pleated effect on boxes and chose gift bags for awkwardly shaped items. “We try to make them nice,” she said.
Christmas music and a snack bar will round out the atmosphere Sunday. Packages can be wrapped while you wait or dropped off to be collected later in the day.
United Cerebral Palsy of Northeastern Pennsylvania at the Viewmont Mall
United Cerebral Palsy of Northeastern Pennsylvania sets up near Macy’s and Rally House inside the Viewmont Mall in Dickson City. The stand is open Thursday through Christmas Eve. Check UCP NEPA on Facebook for the varying hours.
They try to keep their prices modest.
“One year we wrapped a mini motorcycle and it cost a little more, but it was all worth it and it goes to charity,” said Jackie Galvin, director of communications and development.
Longtime donors haul garbage bags full of gifts into the mall to be wrapped.
The agency has built up a team of around 100 volunteers, some of whom return year after year. The Holy Redeemer High School girls basketball team puts in a full day.
Everhart Museum in Scranton
“The Art of Wrapping” drop-in workshop at the Everhart Museum in Scranton is Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is limited to three gifts.
It requires paying admission to the museum, which is $10 for adults, but less for students and seniors and free for museum members, children 12 and under, SNAP, WIC and EBT recipients, military members, veterans and some other groups.
Inside, people can use an array of wrappings or make custom wrapping paper with craft paper, ink stamps and markers. Staff can give tips and help add distinctive touches. Dantone, the director of education, enjoys making wrapping paper.
“I personally love wrapping. I am very much into the details involved in the holidays,” she said.
There will be items suitable for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and more. “We want to make sure everyone feels welcome at the museum,” Dantone said.
At least a few public libraries are offering free DIY wrapping events, aimed at saving money in a fun atmosphere, away from prying eyes.
Albright Memorial Library, Scranton
The Wrapping Party at the Albright Memorial Library, Vine Street, Scranton, is Dec. 16, when people can drop in anytime from 4 to 7 p.m. A similar event last year, promoted as a workshop, didn’t get the anticipated turnout. It was redesigned into more of a community celebration. Staff will still be on hand to help.
Valley Community Library, Peckville
The wrapping room at the Valley Community Library in Peckville opens Dec. 15 and continues through Dec. 23, tucked away in a small conference room and available whenever the library is open.
All kinds of free supplies will be in stock, as well as something priceless: a space away from prying eyes, said Michelle Georgetti, the adult services librarian.
“It is a great way to give people the resources they just might not have at home,” she said.