The rising costs of childcare are forcing families to make difficult choices, as demonstrated by the experience of a Maidencreek Township mother, Jennifer. With three children aged between 3 and 8, she faces the challenging decision of whether to return to her job as a certified medical assistant or stay at home to provide for her family. The steep price of childcare has made her decision increasingly clear: returning to work would only cover the costs of care for her children. “If I were to go back to work, I would literally only be working to pay for childcare,” she explained.
Jennifer’s family relies on a single income, contributing to their struggle to afford basic necessities. “I budget as much as I can to make the money stretch — going to discount grocery stores for the essentials,” she stated. The rising prices have deeply affected her ability to provide for her children. “I remember going to the store with my mom when I was little and $100 worth of groceries would fill the entire trunk,” she reflected. “Now, $100 barely buys you enough to fill the back seat.”
Faced with financial hardships, Jennifer found it difficult to ask for help. After nearly a year of suffering in silence, she reached out to the Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank. The assistance they provided has been invaluable, particularly the convenience of food distribution. “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 said.
Jennifer’s experience has taught her an important lesson: there is no shame in seeking assistance. “It’s OK to need help,” she emphasized. “Everyone — at some point or another — is going to struggle. It’s all part of being human.”
Operation Holiday’s Mission to Support Families
Founded in 1991, Operation Holiday aims to assist families during the festive season by providing food and gifts. Now in its 35th year, the program has expanded its reach to serve thousands of families across Berks, Chester, and Montgomery counties. The mission remains focused on ensuring that families have food on the table and gifts under the tree during the holidays.
Last year, Operation Holiday raised nearly $85,000 in donations, allowing them to distribute gift cards to 366 children and grocery gift cards to 189 families. This year, the initiative has partnered with 21 agencies in the tri-county area, referring 199 families with 403 children for assistance. The program operates with minimal overhead, ensuring that all funds remain local and directly benefit families in need.
Participating families receive grocery gift cards to help purchase food for holiday dinners and pantry staples. The collaboration with Weis Markets has further enhanced their efforts by assisting with food purchases and gift cards. Gift cards for children aged 16 and under are supplied through Boscov’s, allowing families to choose gifts tailored to their children’s wishes.
Importantly, Operation Holiday only accepts families referred by agencies, ensuring that assistance is directed where it is most needed. Funding for the initiative comes solely from reader contributions, making all donations tax-deductible.
How to Support Operation Holiday
Supporters can contribute to Operation Holiday through secure online donations via the TriCounty Community Network. To donate, visit https://tcnetwork.org/ and follow the link for Operation Holiday. Contributions can also be mailed to various locations with checks made out to Operation Holiday.
As the holiday season approaches, the need remains critical for families facing financial difficulties. Each donation helps provide essential support, ensuring that families can enjoy the holidays with dignity and joy.
