Operation Holiday Supports Families in Need This Season

Operation Holiday has been a lifeline for families in the Pottstown area since its inception in 1991. This year, the initiative continues to provide crucial support, ensuring that families have food and gifts during the holiday season. Isabel, a single mother of three from the Pottsgrove area, has benefitted from this program, which partners with local agencies to assist those in need.

Isabel, whose name has been changed for privacy, recalls how she used to read stories about Operation Holiday in The Mercury as a child. “I felt sad, but when I got older, I always thought that I would do it, if I could, donate to people,” she shared. Due to ongoing health issues, Isabel is unable to work, but she and her daughters have found support through the Montgomery County Assistance Office. This agency has connected them with essential services, including the LIHEAP program, food stamps, and cash assistance.

Despite her challenges, Isabel remains optimistic. “I’m dealing with things. At one point my heater was broken, but the landlord fixed it. Now my car is having electrical issues. But I’m getting by,” she explained. With help from local food pantries and the Salvation Army, the family managed to have a Thanksgiving meal. As the holiday season approaches, Isabel’s daughters have their wishes ready—gift cards and art supplies for the oldest, and skin care products and snow clothes for the younger two.

The impact of recent state and federal budget stalemates has been felt by Isabel and many families in similar situations. “I had to push around my bills, and what I’m paying, and then use it for food,” she noted. Despite these difficulties, Isabel is determined to catch up on her expenses and has found additional food pantries to assist her family.

Isabel is committed to paying it forward, offering help to others when she can. “I help out a few people I know when they need help with food, if I have it,” she said. “If I was ever in a position to donate, I would donate myself, because I know there’s people in even worse shape than me who could really use the help.”

Operation Holiday aims to support families like Isabel’s by ensuring there is food on the table and gifts under the tree during the holidays. Now in its 35th year, the program has served thousands across Berks, Chester, and Montgomery counties. Last year alone, nearly $85,000 in donations provided gift cards to 366 children and grocery gift cards to 189 families, in addition to cash donations to local food pantries.

This year, Operation Holiday has partnered with 21 agencies in the tri-county area. These agencies have referred 199 families with 403 children for gifts and food assistance. All funds raised through the program are allocated locally, as there is no overhead cost associated with Operation Holiday. Donations are collected and audited by a nonprofit foundation account managed by MediaNews Group employees who volunteer their time.

Gift cards to local grocery stores are provided to each family, allowing them to purchase ingredients for holiday dinners and pantry staples. The partnership with Weis Markets has been instrumental in assisting with food purchases and gift cards. Gift cards for children aged 16 years and younger are purchased through Boscov’s and distributed through the referring agencies, enabling families to select gifts of their choice.

Operation Holiday only accepts families that have been referred by an agency, ensuring that assistance is directed to those who truly need it. The program is entirely funded by reader contributions, which are tax-deductible. Donations can be made online through a secure portal in partnership with the TriCounty Community Network. Contributions can also be mailed, with checks made payable to Operation Holiday.

As the holiday season unfolds, Operation Holiday remains dedicated to helping families navigate their challenges, ensuring that every child experiences the joy of the season.