Operation Christmas Cheer 2022

First Operation - Delivering Christmas Cheer

It was a random November weekend when I called Jen. “We need to start a non-profit in honor of Mom; she always gave to others during the holidays” Jen had the same feelings and thoughts. And Jess, well as the baby sister, had to join. Just kidding, Jess dove right in and matched our passion from day one. It was a family effort. My dad and husband built a 5ft dollhouse for a little girl who used duct tape for doll clothes. Nick and Joe helped to deliver gifts.

We knew the first Christmas without our mom would not be the same, so we set up to change the direction of getting gifts to giving and serving others. I am also determined to ensure my child knows that the meaning of life is values, family, community & service.

Within three weeks, we decided on a name, action plan and got to work. We quickly learned that some families lost their job at Thanksgiving or had an unexpected bill or medical expense impacting the ability to put gifts under a tree. In addition, families have to apply to a formal program before Halloween. Large community programs take a lot of money and preparation. We aimed to help just a few families but quickly went from three to eight families. We turned to the community to raise funds as all the legal paperwork was pending. So many people stepped up to donate and gift these kids a Christmas. Inspiring to say the least. We decided this is where Kathy’s Kindness could make a difference and bridge the gap between large community programs until the week before Christmas.