Wanted: Operation Christmas Donors

From to helping , Romeoville residents have proven they’re more than willing to give.

Now, organizers of the village’s Operation Christmas effort are counting on the community’s giving spirit as they work to secure donors to “sponsor” remaining families for the annual gift drive.

Each year, Operation Christmas helps provide gifts to children whose families are struggling financially.

This year, a total of 95 families have registered, according to organizer Pastor Suzanne Anderson-Hurdle.

“We still have 76 kids to get ‘adopted,’” she said in an email. Each person who adopts a families receives information on how many children are in the household and their ages and sizes.

For kids ages 12 and under, donors are asked to purchase at least one new toy and one new outfit (pants and a shirt). For older kids (ages 13 to 18), the request is for a gift card for a minimum of $50. However, Anderson-Hurdle noted last month, organizers will accept whatever sponsors are able to give.

With the holidays approaching fast, organizers are working to secure enough sponsors to provide for each child registered for this year’s Operation Christmas.

Families will pick up their gifts on Dec. 16, Anderson-Hurdle said, “so we’re moving into a critical time to get donors.”

Donated gifts should be wrapped and dropped off at , 1050 W. Romeo Road, by Dec. 9.

Community members can also help provide holiday meals for families by attending this year’s Winter Wonderland/Tree-Lighting Ceremony from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Romeoville Recreation Center, 900 W. Romeo Road. Admission to the event is one non-perishable food item per guest, which will help owner Rick DePego supply families with a full holiday meal.

Each Operation Christmas family will receive a card listing a date and time when they are scheduled to pick their meal up at the Romeoville restaurant, Anderson-Hurdle said.

Anyone who wishes to adopt a family or make a donation should contact Anderson-Hurdle at revhurdle@sbcglobal.net.