The rising costs of child care are forcing families like Jennifer’s to make difficult choices. As a certified medical assistant, Jennifer is eager to return to her career, but the financial burden of child care for her three children, aged 3 to 8, makes that option nearly impossible. “If I were to go back to work, I would literally only be working to pay for child care,” she explained. Currently, she has decided to stay home and manage the household while her fiancé provides the family’s sole income. This decision, however, has left them struggling to meet basic needs, including food.
Jennifer has been budgeting meticulously, often shopping at discount grocery stores to stretch their limited funds. “Prices are just out of control,” she lamented, recalling memories of her childhood when $100 worth of groceries would fill an entire trunk. “Now, $100 barely buys you enough to fill the back seat.” The family’s financial strain has prompted them to seek assistance, a decision that Jennifer initially found challenging.
After enduring a year of hardship, they connected with Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank, which has provided vital support. Jennifer appreciates the convenience of the food pantry, where she can have groceries loaded into her car without having to navigate a store with her children. “With three kiddos, it can be tough going to the grocery store, so being able to just pop my trunk and get a box of food has been really helpful,” she noted.
Jennifer’s experience has taught her a valuable lesson about seeking help. “It’s OK to need help,” she affirmed. “Everyone — at some point or another — is going to struggle. It’s all part of being human.”
History and Impact of Operation Holiday
Founded in 1991 by The Mercury in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, Operation Holiday aims to assist families during challenging times, ensuring they have food on the table and gifts during the holiday season. Now in its 35th year, the program has provided support to thousands of families across Berks, Chester, and Montgomery counties. In recent years, the program has expanded its reach to include communities served by local newspapers like the Reading Eagle, The Times Herald, and The Reporter.
Last year, nearly $85,000 in donations allowed Operation Holiday to provide gift cards to 366 children and grocery gift cards to 189 families. The program operates without overhead costs, ensuring that all funds remain local. Donations are collected and audited through a nonprofit foundation account managed by MediaNews Group volunteers.
This year, Operation Holiday has partnered with 21 agencies in the tri-county area, referring 199 families with 403 children for essential gifts and food. Each family receives gift cards for groceries, allowing them to purchase holiday meals and pantry staples. Collaborating with Weis Markets, the program provides food assistance, while gift cards for children are sourced from Boscov’s and distributed through partner agencies.
How to Support Operation Holiday
Operation Holiday relies solely on contributions from the community. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made online through a secure portal in partnership with the TriCounty Community Network. Interested individuals can visit https://tcnetwork.org/ to contribute. Donations can also be mailed to various locations, including:
- Operation Holiday, P.O. Box 1181, Pottstown, PA 19464
- The Reporter, 34 Susquehanna Ave., Suite 100, Lansdale, PA 19446
- Operation Holiday, 1440 Lacrosse Ave., Reading, PA 19607
Contributors’ names are published in participating newspapers as donations are received, with options to designate contributions as anonymous or in memory of loved ones.
As families like Jennifer’s navigate these challenging times, initiatives like Operation Holiday continue to play a crucial role in providing support and ensuring that no child goes without during the holiday season.
