Local Mother Shares Gratitude Amid Holiday Assistance

As the holiday season approaches, many families face financial challenges, but programs like Operation Holiday are providing crucial support. Isabel, a mother of three living in the Pottsgrove area, has benefited from this initiative. Due to health issues that prevent her from working, she has relied on resources from local organizations to support her family. “They’ve helped me out a lot,” Isabel shared, highlighting the assistance she has received from the Montgomery County Assistance Office, including food stamps and cash assistance.

Isabel’s journey exemplifies the impact of community support during tough times. She recalls her childhood memories of reading about Operation Holiday in The Mercury newspaper, feeling a desire to help others when she could. “I always thought that I would do it, if I could, donate to people,” she reflected. Despite facing personal challenges, including a broken heater and ongoing car troubles, Isabel remains determined to provide for her daughters, ages 10, 8, and 3.

Community Support During the Holidays

With the assistance of local food pantries and the Salvation Army, Isabel managed to provide a Thanksgiving meal for her family. Looking ahead to Christmas, her oldest daughter has requested gift cards and art supplies, while her younger daughters have asked for skincare products and winter clothing. “I had to go to a food pantry, and with the food stamps shut off, that was a big help,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of community resources in her family’s life.

The recent budget stalemates affecting both state and federal programs have put additional pressure on families like Isabel’s. “I had to push around my bills and what I’m paying, and then use it for food,” she noted, but she is making progress. “I’m only about a week behind, and I found a few pantries to go to, and that helped.” Isabel’s resilience shines through as she balances her family’s needs while remaining grateful for the assistance she receives.

Isabel also believes in giving back to her community. “I help out a few people I know when they need help with food, if I have it,” she said. She often drives others to food pantries when she can. “If I was ever in a position to donate, I would donate myself,” she added, acknowledging that many others are in more challenging circumstances. “I know what struggling is like, but I know I don’t have it as bad as some other people do.”

Operation Holiday: A Lifeline for Families

Founded in 1991, Operation Holiday aims to ensure families in need can provide a festive holiday season for their children. Over the past 35 years, the program has expanded significantly, now serving families across Berks, Chester, and Montgomery counties. In 2022, nearly $85,000 in donations enabled the program to provide gift cards to 366 children and grocery gift cards to 189 families, along with cash contributions to local food pantries.

This year, Operation Holiday has partnered with 21 agencies in the tri-county area to assist families. So far, 199 families with 403 children have been referred for gifts and food. Notably, there is no administrative overhead, meaning all funds raised remain within the community. Donations are collected and managed in a nonprofit foundation account by volunteers from MediaNews Group.

Families receive gift cards for groceries to purchase ingredients for holiday meals as well as essential pantry items. Local partner Weis Markets has played a significant role by assisting with food purchases and gift cards. Gift cards for children aged 16 and under are purchased through Boscov’s, allowing families the choice to select gifts that their children will truly appreciate.

Operation Holiday only accepts families referred by partner agencies, ensuring that assistance is directed where it is most needed. The program relies entirely on donations from readers and community members, all of which are tax-deductible. Interested individuals can contribute online through a secure portal managed by TriCounty Community Network or send checks to designated addresses.

As the holiday season unfolds, initiatives like Operation Holiday exemplify the strength of community support, providing hope and resources to families facing difficult circumstances. Isabel’s story is one of resilience and gratitude, reminding us of the power of giving and the importance of helping those in need.