As the holiday season approaches, the Operation Holiday program has commenced its fundraising efforts to support families in need across Montgomery, Chester, and Berks counties. Now in its 35th year, the initiative aims to provide food and gifts to struggling families, with a goal of assisting 199 families and 403 children referred by local agencies.
The program operates through partnerships with 22 agencies, including food pantries, early learning centers, schools, social services, and health clinics. Each referral is vetted by these agencies and reviewed by the Operation Holiday steering committee to ensure that assistance reaches those most in need. Over the past four years, the program has also donated several thousand dollars to local food pantries, helping to alleviate food insecurity in the region.
Last year, 619 donations were received, totaling $84,236. Donations range from $10 to $5,000, demonstrating the community’s commitment to supporting its neighbors. Notably, there are no corporate or foundation sponsors for Operation Holiday, meaning that all funds contribute directly to local families without incurring any management or fundraising costs.
History and Impact of Operation Holiday
Initiated in 1991 at The Mercury in Pottstown, Operation Holiday was established to help families struggling during the festive season. Its primary mission is to ensure that there is food on the table and gifts under the tree by Christmas morning. Over its long history, the program has served thousands of families, expanding its reach to include communities supported by readers of the Reading Eagle, The Times Herald, The Reporter, and Daily Local News.
Each family participating in the program receives gift cards for local grocery stores, allowing them to buy ingredients for a holiday meal and essential pantry items. Weis Markets partners with Operation Holiday to facilitate food purchases and provide gift cards. Additionally, families with children aged 16 years or younger receive gift cards from Boscov’s, enabling them to choose their own gifts through referrals from partnering agencies.
It is important to note that Operation Holiday only accepts families referred by the designated agencies. This ensures that assistance is directed to those who are genuinely in need.
How to Contribute
Fundraising efforts for this year’s Operation Holiday are ambitious, and the program relies solely on reader contributions. All donations are tax-deductible, and individuals can contribute online through a secure portal in partnership with TriCounty Community Network. Donations can also be mailed to several 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
The names of all contributors will be published in the participating newspapers as donations are received. Contributors should indicate if they would like their donation to be anonymous or designated in memory or tribute to someone special.
As Operation Holiday embarks on this year’s campaign, the community’s support remains crucial in ensuring that families in need can celebrate the holidays with joy and dignity.
