As we head into the holiday season, our clients continue to truly struggle in so many ways. Our annual Hope for the Holidays gifting program always gives our clients some hope and joy in an otherwise challenging time of year. The program recently launched however we are struggling ourselves to find sponsors. We seek sponsors for 27 of our individual clients. We are continuing the tradition of gifting gift cards to our clients so they may purchase much needed gifts this holiday season. Although gift cards may feel a bit more impersonal than physical gifts, please know the kindness and care you demonstrate for those struggling in our community is deeply appreciated. We hope you will consider giving hope this holiday season.

Here is how Hope for the Holidays will run this year:

  • Sponsors can either opt to supply general gift cards (always needed) or be matched with individuals who are currently working with their Operation Hope social workers to develop a wishlist of specific gift cards needed. Sponsors can be a family, a group of friends, co-workers, etc.
  • Meredith McCormack and Sheila Sullivan, co-chairs of the program, will share wishlists with sponsors. Contact them immediately at [email protected] to participate. 
  • Sponsors will then have until December 2 to either mail gift cards or drop them off in Fairfield (location to be shared once a sponsor is matched to an individual). Meredith and Sheila, along with a few elves, will check in and organize the gift cards by client and have each client’s gift cards wrapped in a small box so there is a gift to open. They will pass along the gift card packages to social workers as early as possible in December so clients have time to use the gift cards to buy gifts and necessities before the holidays.
  • New this year! If you or your kids would like to drop your gift cards off and make a card to be included with your gift, we have arranged for two times to do this: Wednesday, November 29, 4pm-6pm, and Saturday, December 2, 10am-12pm.  This will take place at Operation Hope’s headquarters, 636 Old Post Road in Fairfield.  

If you are interested in participating this year or have any questions, please send an email asap to Meredith and Sheila at [email protected]. Thank you for opening your hearts this holiday season!