UPDATE: A single mother, Whitney, faces financial strain just before Christmas as she completes her criminal justice studies at Montgomery Community College. With four children aged 5 to 11, Whitney has taken a leave from her job as a personal care worker to focus on her education, leaving her in urgent need of support.
Whitney, 33, shared her struggles: “I know that my degree will lead to a good career down the road, but right now we are really struggling to make ends meet.” She has worked tirelessly to provide for her children without assistance from their father or family. Despite her challenges, Whitney has made significant strides, including expunging her juvenile criminal record and escaping an abusive household.
In a heartwarming turn, Whitney has received support from Orion Communities, a nonprofit organization based in Phoenixville. Orion has provided gift cards to help her secure food and ensure there are presents under the tree for Christmas. “The generosity of others is a beautiful thing,” she said, expressing gratitude for the kindness she has encountered.
This year, Whitney is among many families benefiting from Operation Holiday, which aims to help those in need during the festive season. Established in 1991 at The Mercury in Pottstown, the program has evolved to serve thousands across Berks, Chester, and Montgomery counties. With a mission to ensure families can celebrate the holidays with food and gifts, Operation Holiday has partnered with 21 agencies this year, assisting 199 families and 403 children.
Last year alone, Operation Holiday raised nearly $85,000, providing gift cards to 366 children and grocery assistance to 189 families. This year, the program continues to operate with no overhead costs, ensuring that all funds directly benefit local families. Gift cards for groceries and holiday gifts are provided through partnerships with local businesses like Weis Markets and Boscov’s.
As the holiday season approaches, the need for donations is critical. Contributions are being accepted online through a secure portal in partnership with TriCounty Community Network, and can also be mailed to several local addresses. All donations are tax-deductible, and contributors will be recognized in participating newspapers.
Whitney’s story highlights the human impact of community support during challenging times. “I’ve done a lot on my own,” she stated, but with the holiday season here, she is grateful for the assistance that allows her to provide for her children’s needs.
With Christmas less than a month away, the urgency for donations and community involvement is greater than ever. For those looking to make a difference, Operation Holiday offers a meaningful opportunity to help families in need.
For more information on how to donate, visit https://tcnetwork.org/ and click on the link for Operation Holiday. Together, we can ensure that this holiday season brings joy and support to families like Whitney’s.
