In Oroville, California, the holiday spirit has been reignited through the efforts of the Bernardis-Howard family, who launched Operation Warming Hearts. This initiative began when 11-year-old Lane Howard felt a profound sense of empathy for the homeless community after seeing individuals outside the local post office just before Thanksgiving. “I wouldn’t want to be in that situation,” Lane remarked, expressing concern for those without shelter during the cold winter months.
Initially, Lane envisioned providing a Thanksgiving dinner for those in need. However, after discussions with his mother, Kaitlyn Bernardis, and assessing their resources, the family pivoted to a more manageable yet equally impactful project: delivering hot chocolate. Their focus shifted to serving warm drinks, complete with mini marshmallows, to those experiencing homelessness.
With the purchase of a large, insulated coffee maker by Lane’s father, Zachary Bernardis, the family set their plan into motion. They began by utilizing supplies from their home and reached out via social media to gather additional donations. Friends and community members contributed snacks, gloves, socks, and more hot chocolate supplies, further amplifying their outreach.
Weekly Outreach Efforts
Since the day after Thanksgiving, the Bernardis-Howard family has taken to the streets of Oroville every week, distributing approximately 25 cups of hot chocolate per outing. They travel in their red Ford Excursion, affectionately referred to as their “sleigh,” bringing warmth and kindness to those they encounter.
“We serve not just hot chocolate, but also goodwill and compassion,” Kaitlyn explained. Zachary ensures safety by initially approaching potential recipients to gauge their comfort before allowing the children to engage directly. The older kids pair up with their parents to serve, while the younger ones, aged two and three, contribute by distributing goodie bags from the vehicle.
Lane expressed the emotional rewards of their efforts, stating, “Just because they are homeless doesn’t mean they are not people with feelings like everybody else.” This sentiment underscores the family’s mission: to remind individuals in difficult circumstances that they are seen and valued.
Life Lessons Through Kindness
The Bernardis-Howard family initiative serves as both outreach and a valuable teaching moment for the children. Kaitlyn emphasized the importance of discussing complex topics like homelessness and mental health with their kids. “We have a lot of life conversations,” she noted, explaining that understanding the factors leading to homelessness helps cultivate empathy.
Each interaction with the homeless community leaves a lasting impression on the children. For instance, when they met a woman who expressed gratitude for their kindness, eight-year-old Tommi Howard was taken aback to learn that previous encounters with children had not been positive. “I thought, ‘that’s not right,’” Tommi recalled, reflecting on the importance of showing compassion.
The family’s efforts also highlight the impact of community engagement. They once met local artist Jeffery Jackson, known for his rock stacking artwork, which sparked meaningful conversations and connections. Positive feedback has flowed in from social media, with people praising the children’s kindness and their parents for instilling important values.
While the accolades from the community are appreciated, Kaitlyn emphasized that their motivation comes from the desire to teach their children the significance of compassion. “Each time we go out, it’s a teaching and learning moment,” she stated.
As nine-year-old Brylee Howard succinctly put it, “Be kind. Just be kind and help others.” This simple yet powerful message encapsulates the spirit of Operation Warming Hearts as the Bernardis-Howard family continues to spread warmth in their community, one cup of hot chocolate at a time.
