As the holiday season approaches, the need for community support has become more apparent, particularly through the efforts of the Operation Holiday program. Now in its 35th year, this initiative aims to assist local families facing hardships by providing essential food and gifts for children. This year’s fundraising campaign seeks to support 199 families and provide gifts for 403 children who have been referred by various agencies across Montgomery, Chester, and Berks counties.
The program relies on partnerships with 22 agencies, including food pantries, early learning centers, schools, social services, and health clinics. All referrals are carefully vetted by these agencies and reviewed by the Operation Holiday steering committee to ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most.
In addition to holiday gifts, Operation Holiday has provided substantial financial donations to local food pantries over the past four years, contributing several thousand dollars annually. The ambitious fundraising goal for this year aims to exceed last year’s total of $84,236, which was raised through 619 donations ranging from $10 to $5,000. Notably, the program does not receive support from corporate sponsors or foundations, ensuring that every dollar raised directly benefits local families in need.
Operation Holiday was founded in 1991 at The Mercury in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, with the mission of ensuring that families in difficult circumstances can provide holiday cheer for their children. Over the years, it has expanded its reach to include communities served by publications such as the Reading Eagle, The Times Herald, The Reporter, and Daily Local News.
Families enrolled in the program receive gift cards to local grocery stores, allowing them to purchase ingredients for holiday meals as well as essential pantry items. Additionally, gift cards for children aged 16 years and younger are purchased through Boscov’s and distributed in collaboration with the referring agencies, enabling families to select gifts that suit their preferences.
It is important to note that Operation Holiday only accepts families referred by established agencies, ensuring that support is directed to those who genuinely require assistance. The initiative is funded entirely through reader contributions, which are tax-deductible.
For those looking to contribute, donations can be made online through a secure portal operated in partnership with TriCounty Community Network. Interested individuals can visit tcnetwork.org and follow the link to Operation Holiday. Contributions can also be mailed via checks made payable to Operation Holiday at several designated addresses, including P.O. Box 1181, Pottstown, PA 19464.
The names of all contributors will be published in participating newspapers as donations are received, and individuals can indicate whether they wish for their contributions to be anonymous or to be made in tribute or in memory of someone special. The community’s generosity will play a critical role in ensuring that families in need enjoy a joyful holiday season.
