Operation Santa Claus kicks off to provide holiday meals to needy families

The annual Operation Santa Claus campaign is back this year, looking to provide holiday meals to families who are struggling financially.

The campaign, now in its 38th year, launches today. It is a cooperative effort by Trib Total Media, Shop N Save and the Salvation Army. This year, Operation Santa Claus welcomes 412 Food Rescue as a new partner. 412 Food Rescue will assist with recruitment of volunteers and program outreach.

“412 Food Rescue is happy to join forces with a great organization like Operation Santa Claus,” said Darren Hartman, 412 Food Rescue Business Development Lead. “Our mission is to serve those who are food insecure and what better time than the holidays to do just that.”

The organizations will provide a complete holiday dinner to thousands of needy families across Southwestern Pennsylvania. Children in those families receive coloring books, crayons and a new or gently-used storybook. Each family receives items such as canned fruits and vegetables, boxed potatoes, pasta, snack crackers, flavored gelatin and a turkey breast.

“Operation Santa Claus has served our communities for 38 years,” said Bill Lipsky, Vice President, Shop N Save Merchandising. “We are proud to be part of this organization and support our neighbors in need.”

A $20 contribution will provide a meal to a family of four.

“We hope to raise $100,000 this year, enough to deliver complete holiday meals to 5,000 families across five counties and served by more than two dozen Salvation Army units and corps,” said Lindsay Bock, Operation Santa Claus chairperson. “We need everyone’s help to reach that goal; no donation is too small.”

There are several ways to donate:

• See your Trib Total Media daily, weekly or monthly newspaper for details.

• Visit your local participating Shop N Save store to purchase $1 or $5 donation cards November 1 – December 18.

• Order a Letter from Santa online at everybodyshops.com November 1 – 30

• Visit OSC.TribLIVE.com to donate online or print a donation coupon and donate by mail.

• 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.