TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, Pa. (Dec. 22, 2015) -- "Reports are flooding in from all over. Goodwill efforts at Tobyhanna have reached epidemic proportions. Is there no end in sight? Let's hope not."

Eye witness testimonies claim that Santa isn't the only one getting lots of cookies and milk this year. Last week, several local bakers were seen serving dozens of their favorite treats at the Army Community Service (ACS) Center's Holiday Cookie Exchange.

The chefs, like many other Team Tobyhanna members, were exhibiting symptoms of an infectious and fast-spreading desire to do something kind for someone else.

Word has it, the ACS Holiday Wrap and Yap sessions scheduled earlier this month were an opportunity to rekindle old friendships and make new ones. While bonding over coffee, water and snacks, patrons used donated gift wrap, ribbon, tape, gift tags and scissors to wrap the perfect present(s). According to insider information, the center also offered to hide the gifts for people with little to no storage space.

"In many areas of the depot, others have witnessed similar acts of goodwill. Reports show the holiday spirit will engulf the small Army community in as little as three days."

It started months ago when Operation Santa Claus started to raise money to help children and adults living in the local area.

Santa and Mrs. Claus welcomed more than 800 people to their annual holiday charity event at Tobyhanna Army Depot on Dec. 2. Children from 35 schools and regional agencies, and residents from the Gino Merli Veterans' Center in Scranton were the guests of honor during this year's one-day event.

Witnesses described raucous behavior, loud music, laughter and happy faces that quickly spread through the large gathering. Nearly 200 civilian workers, local military, retirees and family members celebrated a 60 year tradition of serving the roast beast [chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese], singing off key, dancing crazy and lending a helping hand to anyone who needed one.

Many were dressed in costume, while others provided some form of entertainment. Rumor has it, the guests were captivated by the performances of the Mid Valley High School Band, the Region's Pride cheerleaders, Damian the Magician and Al the Juggler.

Meanwhile, the antics of mascots for three sports franchises and an amusement park, and the depot's singing and dancing elves were credited with doling out generous helpings of goodwill.

"Thanks to our Community Covenant partners every child received a gift," said Walter Dorosky, Community Services Division chief.

"The holiday spirit has taken root in all facets of this community. Although the Child Development Center seems the hardest hit, everyone's susceptible."

The Child Development Center was a hub of activity this holiday season. In addition to spearheading the annual tree lighting ceremony and holiday party, the center hosted dozens of children at a breakfast with Santa Claus.

"This is one way to enrich the Christmas experience," said Jennifer Sayre, Installation Services Directorate's Child, Youth and School Services Program supervisor. She noted that more than 150 guests saw Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive just as they lit the seven Christmas trees at the center.

Later, guests were overheard to say other acts of kindness on that day included Santa and Mrs. Claus posing for photos with the children, a special reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and a feast for the masses.

Maya Castellano loved the caroling and dancing. "It was a great time to spend with our family," she said.

Events like this are a great way to celebrate the holidays, according to Kathleen Mione, housing resident. "It's fantastic that the Child Development Center hosts these types of community events."

"Seems the entire base is succumbing to this epidemic of goodwill. The calls continue to come in touting the efforts of individuals and agencies around Tobyhanna."

It's incredible, so many people have been affected by the epidemic.

Just a few days ago, someone said they saw children's gifts being delivered to a Friendship House representative near the Scranton Gate visitor center.

"For over 15 years the women's club [Tobyhanna Chautauqua Club] has coordinated with Friendship House to buy Christmas presents for the children," said Lori Giello. "This year we were able to purchase gifts for 85 children ages 2 to 18."

Santa attended their annual Christmas party to deliver donated building blocks, video chairs, dolls, clothes, toys, books, games and jewelry to the children.

"You should have seen the looks of joy on the children's faces. These children have such difficult lives and your generosity brings them a moment of unbridled happiness," said Laura Suarez, foster care case manager at Friendship House. "Again we all truly appreciate the generosity of each and every staff member at the Army depot who selflessly contributed to these children."

Members of Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Distribution Tobyhanna and the Valor Credit Union were spotted collecting canned goods and toys for local charities and the Toys for Tots Foundation.

For the last four years members of the Marine Corps Reserve have collected toys donated by depot employees.

"Depot personnel always come through in a huge way to help underprivileged children have a Merry Christmas," said Joel Sofranko. commandant of the Northeastern Detachment Marine Corps League and Museum in Scranton. "It's always a pleasure for me and members of my staff to come to the depot on behalf of the Toys for Tots program. Employees here have donated hundreds of toys over the years."

Team Tobyhanna's acts of kindness aren't limited to the local area. One organization started a program several years ago spreading the goodwill epidemic to locations around the world.

Members of the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC) oversees the Christmas Card Campaign, which is a grass roots project that gives everyone an opportunity to send holiday greetings to personnel serving their country far from home and loved ones.

At first the cards were sent to troops and deployed employees in Southwest Asia to show appreciation for their sacrifice, according to Stephen Orsino, CPAC director. Now, cards are also delivered to residents at a local veteran's center and the Veterans Administration Medical Center. Each year the campaign delivers more than 1,000 cards, he said.

"Providing holiday cards to local veterans is a small way to lift their spirit during the season," said Nicole Middleton. When she delivered cards last year, she saw how thankful the recipients were to be remembered at this time of year.

"The cards are one way we can let the veteran Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman know that he or she is supported, and their service and sacrifice is appreciated. This may be the only holiday wish they receive so it is an essential community program,"

It's impossible to gauge the number of lives touched by this year's epidemic. There is no cure and once infected, it's highly contagious to those needing a dose of good cheer. At this rate, experts predict the goodwill epidemic will consume the entire Tobyhanna community long before the jolly old elf in the red suit makes his appearance Christmas Eve.

Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for C4ISR systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna's Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the Joint C4ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners.

Tobyhanna's unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our Joint Warfighters.

About 3,100 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, which is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command's mission is to research, develop, acquire, field and sustain communications, command, control computer, intelligence, electronic warfare and sensors capabilities for the Armed Forces.