Another Christmas has come and gone, and for some, the memories of this Christmas were made brighter by the efforts of all who contributed to Operation Family Christmas.
“This year 140 kids received gifts through the program,” said volunteer coordinator Jes Rodne.
“The community was amazing,” added Rodne. “We received help from the Salvation Army, Ruby’s Pantry, all three branches of the North Shore Credit Union, the Grand Marais State Bank branch in Tofte, Arrowhead Electric, Grand Portage Health and Human Services, Cook County Sheriff ’s Office, the Cook County Senior Center, and the Violence Prevention Center.”
“I also received a lot of help from Beth Kennedy, Greta Hall, and Annie Debevec,” Rodne said, adding she hoped she didn’t forget anybody.
Operation Family Christmas was established to assist parents or guardians who may not be able to buy Christmas presents for their children.
Rodne, the Program and Services coordinator for the Cook County Senior Center, just completed her first year as coordinator for Operation Family Christmas. It was a daunting task, but Rodne felt everything went well even though the program almost doubled from last year when 68 children received gifts.
“The community really pulled together,” said Rodne. “I feel truly blessed to have been a part of this.”
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