Single mom leaves abusive relationship

Nothing is better than the feeling of being a kid at Christmas.

For some families, like Gloria’s though, it takes a little extra to keep that spirit alive.

Gloria, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, has been working even harder this year to make sure her two children have a great Christmas. As a single mom starting out in a new home with a new job, the impending holiday season has been less merry and more worrisome.

“I am a single mother of two kids. I relocated to Pottstown because I lost my job. I came down here and was able to establish a residence but the cost of living and child care is exorbitant,” said Gloria. In addition to losing her job, Gloria explained that she also has a protection from abuse order from her youngest child’s father and that relocating was the best thing for their family, despite their financial struggles.

Gloria said her oldest child, though only five years old, has a general understanding of their situation but that occasionally she finds herself having to answer some difficult questions.

“My son is old enough that he understands. Some nights he asks why we eat spaghetti out of a can every night and I have to tell him because mommy can’t afford to buy real food,” said Gloria. “I get state assistance but it doesn’t go very far. I pay the rent and electric but unfortunately things like birthdays and

Christmas, those just pass and I don’t have the means to do it.”

That’s why Operation Holiday is stepping in to make sure that area families have the means to enjoy the holiday season.

Now in its 27th year, Operation Holiday has provided a brighter holiday season to thousands of families with children. Last year more than $50,000 in donations allowed the program to provide food and gifts for 144 families with 447 children in need.

The program was created and exists for children. The mission of Operation Holiday is to ensure that children of the Pottstown area have food

to eat and gifts to open, no matter how poor or difficult their family situation may be.

There is no overhead with Operation Holiday and all funds stay in the Pottstown area. Families are referred by more than 20 local agencies and churches.

Funds are collected and audited in a non-profit foundation account managed by staff of The Mercury.

Food, which includes the fixings for a holiday dinner as well as staples for the pantry, is ordered, bought, packed and distributed by Mercury employees and Pottstown High School student government volunteers.

Gift cards for every child in the program 16 years of age or younger are purchased through Boscov’s and distributed in partnership with the referring agencies.

Operation Holiday does not accept families who have not been referred by an agency in order to protect the integrity of the program.

Operation Holiday is funded solely by readers’ contributions. All contributions are tax deductible.

Contributions may be mailed or brought to the offices of The Mercury, Attn: Operation Holiday, 24 N. Hanover St., Pottstown, PA 19464. Make checks payable to Operation Holiday.