Operation Christmas Cheer raises over $43K

SEASIDE -- Thanks to the generosity of The Herald’s readers, Operation Christmas Cheer raised $43,306 this season.

The contributions go directly to the local chapter of The Salvation Army, which uses the funds to help clients during the holiday season. None of the money raised is used for administrative costs.

In a thank-you letter to the community, Major John Bennett of the Monterey Peninsula Corps of The Salvation Army said, “Please express our thanks to all those in the community who donated to Operation Christmas Cheer 2020. … We are grateful.”

Among the things the Operation Christmas Cheer funds helped pay for were:

• Casework and personal encouragement

• Transitional and emergency housing

• Rental and utility assistance

• Hot meals and food boxes

• Showers and laundry

• Gas vouchers for seniors

• And Christmas toys for children

Operation Christmas Cheer is an annual event sponsored by The Herald

and 1st Capital Bank.

Since Operation Christmas Cheer began in 1985, it has raised more than $2 million, which has been distributed to needy Monterey County families and individuals over the holidays.

During the Christmas holiday season, The Herald profiled families and individuals receiving assistance from The Salvation Army. Contributors were able to use coupons printed in The Herald to have personalized messages published in the

newspaper.

Attributed gifts with message

• Sandra & Carl DeLay-Magnuson: It is in giving that we receive. We’re all in this together, $500

• P.L. Lamb Owens: Heavenly angels help our earth angels, family and caring others, $121.15 Zooey Lober: With hope this makes a difference for someone, $50

Anonymous gifts with message

• Peace and goodwill to all, $50

• May your new year be full of cheer, good health and wonderful memories, $25

Total anonymous gifts without message $250