As Christmas rolls around the corner, Donna Vincent is doing her part to ensure everyone has a merry holiday.
Vincent said she started Operation Christmas Cheer two years ago, after seeing people in the community who had a variety of need and couldn’t give their children a Christmas.
She said the first year, she was able to help out just one family. However, when she decided to help out three families the following year an overabundance of donations came pouring in.
“People were sharing it on social media, and donations started coming in from across the state and country,” she said.
Vincent said the process of selecting families begins a few months before Christmas, when she puts out a post on Facebook asking for the stories of families who need help. She asks only for the circumstances, along with the gender, age and interests of any children.
Vincent said she tries to keep everything anonymous, and she doesn’t even meet the at need families. She collects the items and then passes them along to her contact who will deliver the Christmas gifts.
“It’s anonymous, so that way these families are more receptive of help, because people don’t know who they are. We want these people to accept our help so that way their children can have a great Christmas,” she said.
A list of items needed is available on the Operation Christmas Cheer Facebook page. People, who wish to donate can contact Vincent at 252-933-4211 and arrange a time to drop off items.
Vincent said in addition to items from the list, many people are also donating gift cards. She either purchases things on the list or will give the gift cards directly to the families. The cards often help with buying clothes for teenagers.
Vincent said she plans on continuing for years to come, and has high hopes for the future.
“I would love to have someone help me with it, so we could be broader and reach more people,” she said.
Laurie Saul donated a gift card to the cause and said she is glad to participate.
“I want to help out people in need and it warms my heart to be able to do it,” she said.
Vincent said Operation Christmas Cheer has become more of a mission since the passing of her father in August.
“This is something he was really proud of me for doing. What he didn’t realize is that I just took the lead from him. This is the way he was all his life and I hope that in some way, this not only helps families, but honors his memory as well,” she said.
Vincent said the cutoff date for donating is Monday.
Noah Clark can be reached at 252-559-1073 or Noah.Clark@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @nclark763.
Breakout Box
Want to donate to Operation Christmas Cheer?
Go to Facebook.com and search ‘Operation Christmas Cheer’
Call Donna Vincent at 252-933-4211