It’s been a rough year for the Johnson family.
Timothy had to take an unpaid leave of absence from his job at a distribution center this summer when he developed a hernia that required immediate surgery. And then after just a few months back at work he hurt the same shoulder he had injured while serving in the military, forcing him to take another leave of absence.
The string of bad luck has left the Johnson family — whose name has been changed to protect their privacy — struggling to make ends meet.
His wife, Lauren, said the whole experience has opened her eyes to how so many families are one paycheck or one illness away from financial hardship.
“We have a mortgage, we have bills, we have heating costs and we have a 1-year-old and a 6-year-old that we need to feed,” she said. “It has really taken a toll on a family when things are flipped upside down so quickly.”
Things got even worse recently when the elder of their two children, James, broke his leg while jumping on a trampoline.
“Everything seems to happen in threes, so I think we’re done for the year,” she said with a slight laugh.
The run of bad luck has left Lauren and Timothy worried about how they’re going to provide a merry Christmas for James and his 1-year-old brother.
“We never had to rely on social services before but it really takes a weight off your shoulders knowing there are programs out there that can help,” she said. “These programs are going to help us make sure we can still make it special for the kids. It really takes a load off and is very much appreciated.”
That’s why Operation Holiday exists. The Johnson family is among those referred to the fund that will provide help with food and gifts this season.
Operation Holiday
Operation Holiday was started in 1991 at The Mercury in Pottstown to help families going through tough times provides something for their children during the holidays. The mission of the program is to make sure there is food on the table and gifts under the tree when Christmas morning comes.
Now in its 33rd year, the program has served thousands of families throughout Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties, expanding its reach in recent years to include communities served by Reading Eagle, The Times Herald, The Reporter and Daily Local News.
More than $91,000 in donations last year provided food and gifts for 451 children and 199 families, plus cash donations to food pantries in Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties.
This year, Operation Holiday has partnered with 19 agencies in the tri-county area. Agencies have referred 165 families with 419 children for gifts and food.
There is no overhead with Operation Holiday and all funds stay local. Funds are collected and audited in a nonprofit foundation account managed by staff of MediaNews Group who volunteer their time.
Gift cards to area grocery stores are provided to each family for food so they can purchase the fixings for a holiday dinner as well as staples for the pantry. Weis Markets is a partner with Operation Holiday and has assisted with food purchases and gift cards.
Gift cards for every child in the program 16 years of age or younger are purchased through Boscov’s and distributed in partnership with the referring agencies so that families can purchase gifts of their choice.
Operation Holiday does not accept families who have not been referred by an agency.
Operation Holiday is funded solely by reader contributions. All contributions are tax deductible.
How to donate
Online donations are being accepted in a secure portal in partnership with TriCounty Community Network. Visit https://tcnetwork.org and click on the link for Operation Holiday.
Contributions can be mailed with checks payable to Operation Holiday to P.O. Box 1181, Pottstown, PA 19464; The Reporter, 307 Derstine Ave., Lansdale, PA 19446; Operation Holiday, 1440 Lacrosse Ave., Reading, PA 19607.
The names of all contributors are published in the participating newspapers as donations are received. Please note whether a contribution should be designated as anonymous or given in tribute or in memory of someone.
Source: Berkshire mont
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