Operation Santa Provides Christmas Miracles for Children

There is nothing quite like being a child at Christmas time. Winter treats, carolers at the door, and warm times with family make the holiday season a wonderful and magical time of year. But for the parents who struggle to provide Christmas gifts to their children during the holidays — and do not receive assistance from social programs — this time of year can be disappointing for parents and children alike. “Operation Santa” combats this experience, helping families grant children’s Christmas wishes in the Greater Lansing, Michigan area.

The program was started in 1994 by Jan Williams-Mayhew, who had the goal of providing Christmas gifts for children who fall through the cracks of other social programs. Jan starts by contacting local schools to identify children in need who are not receiving assistance from other social service programs. Then, she reaches out to the community to find businesses willing to sponsor the purchase of gifts.

In the past, organizations have provided computers, books, and toys for children in the program. Additionally, organizations donate winter gear such as coats, gloves, and blankets — necessities that the children would normally do without. The gifts are purchased by the businesses and given to the children’s parents, giving families the opportunity to open the gifts in their own homes on Christmas day.

As a one-person operation, it takes an entire year for Jan to organize Operation Santa, despite its seasonal nature. The program’s success also relies on the generosity of local businesses. What originally started as a small program helping 50 local boys and girls has massively expanded to provide gifts to 500 children in the area.

And the organization continues its rapid growth simply through word of mouth. As more people and companies in the Lansing area hear about Jan’s work, and how the organization is helping children, more are willing to provide gifts to the children would normally go without.

Veracity is one of the many organizations making Christmas a happier time for children. “We have participated in Operation Santa for many years and make a night of it, wrapping gifts together,” says Paula Mulnix, Integration Analyst, Business Integration. Paula says that Veracity’s Lansing team will sponsor two young girls this year, and everyone is excited about helping make their Christmas dreams come true.

Veracity is proud to participate in the Operation Santa program, working to ensure that every child in Lansing has a very merry Christmas.