UPDATE: As the holiday season approaches, Operation Holiday is ramping up efforts to support families in need across Montgomery County, ensuring no child goes without gifts this Christmas. The initiative has already connected 199 families and 403 children with essential resources and holiday gifts, demonstrating a remarkable community response.
Isabel, a mother of three from the Pottsgrove area, shared her gratitude for the assistance provided by Operation Holiday and its partners. “They’ve helped me out a lot — with the LIHEAP program, food stamps, cash assistance at one point,” she stated. This year, she is determined to make the holidays special for her children, despite facing ongoing health challenges.
The urgency of the situation is magnified by recent government budget stalemates that have impacted food assistance programs. “With the food stamps shut off, I had to push around my bills,” Isabel explained. “But I made it all work, and I’m catching back up on everything.”
Operation Holiday, which began in 1991 at The Mercury in Pottstown, has evolved significantly, now in its 35th year of operation. The initiative aims to provide food and gifts for families struggling during the holidays. Last year, it raised nearly $85,000, aiding 366 children with gift cards and supporting 189 families with grocery cards.
This year, the program has partnered with 21 agencies across the tri-county area, ensuring that local families receive crucial support. Each family receives grocery gift cards to purchase holiday meal essentials, while children aged 16 and under are provided with gift cards through Boscov’s, allowing parents to select gifts tailored to their children’s wishes.
Isabel, who has been utilizing local food pantries, emphasizes the importance of community support. “I help out a few people I know, when they need help with food, if I have it,” she said. Despite her struggles, she remains thankful for the resources available to her family.
With the holiday season fast approaching, the need for donations is urgent. Operation Holiday is funded solely by reader contributions, and all donations are tax-deductible. Community members are encouraged to contribute via online donations at https://tcnetwork.org/ or by mailing checks to designated addresses.
Next Steps: As families prepare for the holidays, community involvement is crucial. Those interested in supporting Operation Holiday can follow the links provided and help ensure that families like Isabel’s can celebrate the season with joy and hope.
Every contribution makes a difference, and the names of all contributors are published in local newspapers, honoring community spirit and generosity. For many families, this initiative represents a lifeline during challenging times, reminding everyone of the power of giving.
