Operation Santa Run

Christmas is a very special time of year filled with laughter, joy and anticipation. Friends and family gather from near and far to share the warmth of the season. The aroma of fresh baked cookies and roasting turkey fills the house, and children's faces are aglow with wonder and delight.

However, there are many children who do not have the same anticipatory glow. This past year, especially these last few months, many families in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, have lost everything due to a home fire.

Each year our kind-hearted Youth Council bring to life "Operation Santa Run", a committee formed by the chapter's Youth Council, that delivers toys and gifts to children in Monmouth and Ocean Counties who have lost everything due to a recent home fire. When our chapter's committee members heard about our families this year and their situations and losses, they felt that these children were in need of our immediate help this holiday season. They believe that this is a wonderful way to give to those less fortunate than us and that these children and their families deserve at least one day of surprise, warmth and hope.

The Jersey Coast Chapter and its Youth Council are hopeful that you will join us to band together to help us make this year's "Operation Santa Run" the most successful ever! We are in need of new and unwrapped toys and books for boys and girls from newborn to age 12, gift cards (i.e., Target, Walmart, Old Navy, Toys 'R Us and Babies 'R Us, etc.). Additionally, we are collecting wrapping paper, tape, name tags and bows. All gifts need to be delivered to the Jersey Coast Chapter by 5:00 pm on Monday, December 14th to be wrapped and ready to go. Our Youth Council will be delivering the toys and gifts to the families on Monday, December 21st.

If you are able to support this wonderful program and help us bring a glimmer of hope to these families this holiday season please contact Maureen Buehl at (732) 493-9100, ext. 1230 or maureenb@jerseycoast-redcross.org