UPDATE: A single mother in Pottstown, Whitney, is urgently seeking community support as she navigates financial difficulties just before Christmas. After dedicating years to her education, she has completed her final semester in criminal justice at Montgomery Community College, but her situation has become dire.
With Christmas approaching, Whitney, 33, has temporarily left her job as a personal care worker, leaving her financially strained while caring for her four children, aged 5 to 11. “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,” Whitney stated. “I’ve busted my butt to make sure that my children have what they need without the help of their father and my family.”
Despite her accomplishments, including overcoming a challenging past and working to have her criminal record expunged, Whitney has found herself in need of assistance. “I’ve done a lot on my own,” she said, adding that she has received support from Orion Communities, a nonprofit based in Phoenixville. The organization has provided gift cards to help ensure her family can enjoy a festive holiday season.
“The generosity of others is a beautiful thing,” Whitney expressed, highlighting the importance of community support.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of Operation Holiday, a local initiative aimed at helping families like Whitney’s during the holiday season. Launched in 1991, the program has served thousands of families across Berks, Chester, and Montgomery counties. In 2022 alone, it distributed nearly $85,000 in donations, assisting 366 children and 189 families with food and gifts.
Currently, Operation Holiday has partnered with 21 agencies to support 199 families with 403 children in need this holiday season. The program ensures that all funds raised remain local, with no overhead costs. Donations are collected and audited in a nonprofit foundation account managed by volunteers from MediaNews Group.
Families participating in Operation Holiday receive grocery gift cards for food, enabling them to prepare holiday meals. Gift cards for each child aged 16 and under are purchased through Boscov’s and distributed in collaboration with referring agencies.
To support families in need, readers can contribute securely online through the TriCounty Community Network at https://tcnetwork.org/. Donations can also be mailed to several locations, including:
- Operation Holiday, P.O. Box 1181, Pottstown PA 19464
- The Reporter, 34 Susquehanna Ave., Suite 100, Lansdale PA 19446
- Operation Holiday, 1440 Lacrosse Ave., Reading PA 19607
All contributions are tax-deductible, and donors can choose to remain anonymous or have their donations made in tribute to someone special. As Whitney prepares for Christmas, she hopes to one day return the kindness she has received. “My only hope is that I can pay it forward in the future,” she said.
For those looking to help, every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant impact on families in need this holiday season. Act now to ensure that local families can celebrate Christmas with joy and support from their community.
