UPDATE: Operation Holiday has officially launched its mission to support 199 families this holiday season, providing essential food and gifts to those in need. With the program now in its 35th year, the urgency to assist local families in Pottstown, PA, and surrounding areas has never been greater.
Georgia, a mother of 11 and a resident of Colmar, is among those preparing for the holidays under challenging circumstances. “I raised 11 kids and now I’m also raising one of my grandkids,” she shared, reflecting on the loss of her husband to cancer in 2013. Struggling to make ends meet, Georgia explained that her family often prioritizes holiday gifts over bills. “Sometimes a bill will go a couple months late so we can get Christmas presents,” she stated. “I don’t even have a tree yet; I’ve had the same one for the last three years.”
With the holiday season fast approaching, the need for community support is critical. Operation Holiday aims to ensure that families like Georgia’s have food on the table and gifts under the tree. Last year, the program raised nearly $85,000, providing gift cards to 366 children and grocery gift cards to 189 families. This year, the initiative has partnered with 21 agencies across Berks, Chester, and Montgomery counties to assist even more families.
Georgia’s family has benefited from local resources, including the Mattie Dixon food cupboard. “When my husband first died, I used to get a lot of help,” she recalled. “As time went on, I started to donate what I could.” However, recent changes in state and federal budgets have placed additional strain on families relying on food assistance. “When they shut off food stamps, I stopped paying a few bills to help my kids with food,” Georgia explained.
Operation Holiday is fully funded by reader donations and ensures that all contributions stay local. The program provides gift cards for food purchases, allowing families to buy holiday meal essentials and pantry staples. This year’s initiative will distribute gift cards for every child aged 16 years and younger, fostering a sense of community and support.
Families in need must be referred by an agency to participate in the program, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively. “There are so many at Thanksgiving, between 20 and 25 people, and then for Christmas, the grandkids are here. It’s the best,” Georgia said, emphasizing the importance of family togetherness during the holidays.
As of now, Operation Holiday is receiving donations through a secure online portal in partnership with TriCounty Community Network. Contributions can also be mailed directly to local offices. “We just do the best we can,” Georgia noted, reinforcing the spirit of resilience that defines her family and many others in the community.
With the holidays fast approaching, every contribution counts. Community members are encouraged to support Operation Holiday to help families like Georgia’s have a brighter Christmas. Together, they can ensure that every child has gifts to open and every family can share a festive meal.
For more information or to make a donation, visit https://tcnetwork.org/ or mail checks to Operation Holiday at the designated local addresses. Each contribution is tax-deductible, and names of contributors are published in local newspapers, highlighting the community’s collective effort to uplift those in need this holiday season.
ACT NOW: Support Operation Holiday and contribute to a meaningful cause that brings hope and joy to families during this critical time.
