Elizabeth Orosco
Northeast News

Della Lamb Community Center is hosting its 44th-annual Operation Santa, and is still in need of donation items. This project serves over 1,000 low-income families in Kansas City, providing them with clothing, toys, and food to create a memorable holiday experience they otherwise would not be able to afford.

Operation Santa will run for four days: December 7-8 and December 11-12.

Each child will be given one large toy, one small toy, a storybook, a filled Santa stocking, a sweatsuit, pair of socks, gloves, hat and scarf. Parents are also given two to three gifts each and household items.

Families are also provided with a 10-14 pound frozen turkey plus additional groceries to make a holiday meal.

The greatest donation needs right now are toys under $15, children’s books, children’s clothing (active wear suits, gloves, hats and socks), and frozen 10-14 pound turkeys.

In 2017, Della Lamb’s Operation Santa served 4,470 low-income individuals and 2,216 low-income children.

There are several ways for community members to get involved with Operation Santa.

In addition to donating items, volunteer opportunities include setting up the store between December 3-6, as well as helping with gift distribution between December 7-8 and December 11-12. Volunteers can offer their time to make sure everything is organized and assist with handing out items to families.

Financial contributions are also accepted. A $50 contribution covers an entire family’s Christmas.

Operation Santa will be held inside Della Lamb’s gym at the Mabee Center located at 406 Woodland Avenue.

Della Lamb Community Services is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt not-for-profit corporation serving Kansas City families since 1897. All donations are 100-percent tax-deductible.

To volunteer, call 816-842-8040 or visit dellalamb.org.