Operation Santa

 

    

We are truly fortunate to have so many nonprofit partners that support our children and families while advancing the vision of preventing child abuse. Operation Santa is the story of one of our many partners and would only be possible through the collaboration with Easter Seals-Goodwill Northern Rocky Mountains and the generosity of community members. The toys, pajamas, and gift wrapping supplies donated help alleviate the financial stressors of our families while upholding the importance of familial traditions.

On Saturday, December 8th, more than 100 children from Family Advocates’ CASA and Family Strengthening Programs will be invited to shop at a Boise Goodwill store. The children be accompanied by local police and fire fighters to shop while their parents visit Santa to fill their gift quotas for the season. Each child will be provided with a gift card to the Goodwill store while volunteers will be on hand to help with gift wrapping, provide treats, and take pictures with Santa.

Shanna Endow of Easter Seals-Goodwill says, “These Goodwill gift cards provide much more than just the needed clothing, toys, and household items for the holiday season and winter months. This event gives children the satisfaction of picking out their own clothes, the self-confidence gained working within a budget, and the pride of choosing a special gift for their mother, father, or sibling. In addition, the funds spent at Goodwill go directly back into Easter Seals-Goodwill programs that serve people with disabilities and disadvantages.”

The holidays should be a time of peace, joy and family celebrations. For those struggling to make ends meet, however, the holidays can be a difficult and stressful time. Easter Seals-Goodwill and Family Advocates have come together to provide these families with a truly magical holiday experience through Operation Santa.