UPDATE: The 2025 Operation Holiday fundraising campaign has just launched, aiming to support families in need during the holiday season. Now in its 35th year, this initiative seeks to provide essential food and gifts for children from 199 families across Montgomery, Chester, and Berks counties.
This year’s ambitious goal includes delivering holiday meals and gifts for 403 children, all referred by 22 local agencies such as food pantries, schools, and social services. “We are committed to ensuring families have food on the table and gifts under the tree,” stated an official from the Operation Holiday steering committee.
With the demand at an all-time high, food pantries have reported increased hardships, highlighting the urgent need for community support. Last year, Operation Holiday received 619 donations, totaling $84,236, from generous readers. Donations ranged from $10 to $5,000, and every cent goes directly to local families in need, as there are no corporate sponsors or overhead costs.
The program started in 1991 at The Mercury in Pottstown, originally designed to help families provide for their children during the holidays. It has since expanded its reach significantly to include communities served by the Reading Eagle, The Times Herald, The Reporter, and Daily Local News.
Each family participating will receive gift cards for groceries to purchase holiday dinners and pantry staples. Additionally, gift cards for children aged 16 years and younger will be provided through Boscov’s, allowing parents to choose gifts that their children truly want.
Important note: Only families referred by partnering agencies are eligible to receive assistance, ensuring that support is directed to those most in need.
To contribute to this vital cause, donations can be made online through a secure portal in partnership with TriCounty Community Network. Visit tcnetwork.org and click on the Operation Holiday link. Alternatively, checks can be mailed to:
– Operation Holiday
P.O. Box 1181
Pottstown, PA 19464
– The Reporter
34 Susquehanna Ave., Suite 100
Lansdale, PA 19446
– Operation Holiday
1440 Lacrosse Ave.
Reading, PA 19607
Every contribution is tax-deductible, and the names of all donors will be published in participating newspapers as donations are received. Contributors are encouraged to specify if they wish to remain anonymous or if their donation should be made in tribute or memory of someone special.
The time to act is now. Join the community effort to ensure that no child goes without this holiday season! Share this urgent call for support and help make a difference in the lives of local families.
