Tuesday, November 1 marked the launch of the annual Operation Santa Claus campaign. Now in its 39th year, Operation Santa Claus is a cooperative effort by Trib Total Media, Shop n Save and the Salvation Army to provide a complete holiday dinner to thousands of needy families across Southwestern Pennsylvania.
"Operation Santa Claus has served our communities for 39 years," said Bill Lipsky, Vice President, Shop n Save Merchandising. "The Shop n Save independent owners are proud to be part of this organization and support our neighbors in need."
Operation Santa Claus is a registered 501©3, all-volunteer organization. All of the funds raised go towards purchasing the groceries and bags that we distribute. Groceries are purchased through Shop n Save and distributed to needy families through the Salvation Army. Each family receives items such as canned fruits and vegetables, boxed potatoes, pasta, snack crackers, flavored gelatin and more, including a ham.
"Operation Santa Claus provides an opportunity for families to join together for a meal during the holidays," said Gale Purbaugh, The Salvation Army Somerset Service Director. "One local Somerset County father recalled : 'Not only did we make a meal together, we made memories.' They worked together to make the meal and enjoyed family time as well. Because of Operation Santa Claus, we have been able to provide access to holiday meals that feed our most vulnerable population."
The generosity of our donors and volunteers make the campaign possible. A contribution of just $20.00 will provide a family of four with all the ingredients for a nutritious and delicious meal this holiday season.
"We hope to raise $90,000 this year, enough to deliver complete holiday meals to 5000 families across five counties and served by more than two dozen Salvation Army units and corps," said Lindsay Bock, Operation Santa Claus chairperson and Trib Total Media Director of Marketing. "We need everyone's help to reach that goal; no donation is too small."
Please donate today and help give the gift of a holiday meal. There are several ways to donate:
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See your Trib Total Media daily, weekly or monthly newspaper for a donation coupon.
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Visit your local participating Shop n Save store to purchase $1 or $5 donation cards from November 1 - December 17.
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Order a Letter from Santa online at OSC.TribLIVE.com from November 1 - 30
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Visit OSC.TribLIVE.com to donate online or print a donation coupon and donate by mail.
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Operation Santa Claus is also in need of new and gently-used children's books. For more information on donating books, please call 412-320-7872 or email marketing@triblive.com.