Pictured above are gifts donated by the community to Operation Family Christmas. Some 47 families received Christmas presents this year through this program. Photos courtesy of Jes Rodne
Even in tight times, in times of a downward economy and a pandemic on top of it all, the community has once again found a way to come forward and share their blessing with those who are without.
Operation Family Christmas is one prime example.
Jes Rodne is the coordinator of Operation Family Christmas, and she reported that this year the need was great. Still, community members’ willingness to help out and give to the program was more than equal to the requests for help.
One person wrote Rodne that without Operation Family Christmas, there would have been few if any presents under the Christmas tree. But comments like these were the rule, rather than the exception.
All told, OFC gifted 47 families with presents for kids 0-18. That means about 100 children received gifts this year that might not have received anything under the tree, if there was a tree.
“I had many parents in tears when picking up their gifts,” said Rodne. “I have gotten numerous messages from people that have truly felt the blessing of this program, whether it be in giving or receiving.”
When asked if she had enough help with this undertaking, Jes replied, “Yes, I absolutely had enough help! In the first beginning part of the program, there is not a lot to do. But during the end, it is crunch time, and I have a list of amazing people that will and have done anything needed to make this program a success.”
Operation Family Christmas was established to assist parents or guardians who may not be able to buy Christmas presents for their children.
The program is open to parents or legal guardians who have children ages 0-18 that have struggled financially and need a little help during the Holiday season.
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