Operation Merry Christmas

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Operation Merry Christmas is a special program to many people, not only for those who receive food and gifts through the Program, but also for those who remember the humble beginnings of the Center of Concern.

The Christmas program officially began prior to the beginning of The Geneva Center of Concern; in 1971 the Human Development Committee of St. Stephens Church decided to provide Christmas Joy in the form of boxes of food and gifts. The first year the program provided 123 boxes to local families. When the boxes of food and gifts were delivered, the Committee came to realize the need for help in the community. After the Holidays, it was decided “to extend the activity through the entire year and, God willing, through the years to come.” People from 18 churches, local organizations and families joined together to begin The Geneva Center of Concern.

Over the years Operation Merry Christmas has grown from wrapped gifts and prepared food boxes to a North Pole Shopping Experience along with a separate date for food distribution. The North Pole Shop is set up in a way that families can choose new gifts for their children and have more of a real shopping experience.

Operation Merry Christmas has served many local families over the years. With the help of dedicated volunteers, generous donors from local churches, colleges and schools, businesses and clubs, and many individuals, this program continues to be a success. In 2021 the Center provided food boxes and gifts to over 300 families in the Geneva community. The majority of those benefiting from the program are families with young children.

Call or stop by the Center for more information on ways to sign up or donate to the Operation Merry Christmas program. Sign-ups for the family shopping begin in November.

THANK YOU TO THE MANY FAMILIES AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT HELPED TO MAKE OPERATION MERRY CHRISTMAS SO SUCCESSFUL

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Cindy and Fayth packaging Christmas candy

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Eric and family

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The Dorrington family

Turkeys and fixings donated by employees at Guardian Glass

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Gift donations from Mia Ferriter and Rosalie Deras

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Molly and Claire Pullen donating food for Operation Merry Christmas

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Wendy, doing some shopping during Operation Merry Christmas

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Turkeys donated by Johnny O with Center Director Cheryl Toor

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Food collected from neighbors and donated by Kelly, Michael and Tony Ernst

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Volunteer Bambi helping Caitie select Christmas gifts

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The Knights of Columbus unloading a large food donation for Operation Merry Christmas

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The Dorrington family

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Packaging food for different sized families

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The Giguere family

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Josh working on decorations for Operation Merry Christmas

The North Pole shopping area decorated and stocked with gifts for our clients to select for their families

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Volunteers of all ages assisted on food distribution day

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Geneva Knights of Columbus annual drive contributes to Operation Merry Christmas

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Girl Scout troop 661061 helped to make the program successful this year

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Hobart and William Smith College Students help unload food for distribution

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Center volunteers pack food boxes for distribution.

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