On a wintry Saturday, December 18, the line began to form at 4:30 in the morning so more than 4000 toys could be distributed by the Citizens for Citizens, Inc. (CFC) 2010 Operation Christmas Program to local low-income families, as gifts from Santa Claus for their young children. Holiday-spirited volunteers distributed the new toys to families that had previously been registered, and whose need had been validated by CFC staffers. To those people not able to stop by the CFC Griffin Street headquarters on Saturday, an additional toy distribution would be provided on the following Monday.

Operation Christmas began distributing toys in 1975, under the direction of CFC Deputy Executive Director, Frank Sullivan.

At that time, the toys being collected were used and donated by people in the community. Students from Bristol Community College would join other CFC staff in refurbishing the toys so they could be given to children who otherwise may not have anything from Santa Claus under the Christmas tree.

The person who makes certain that Operation Christmas is successful and runs smoothly each and every year is the Director of CFC Operation Christmas. Barbara Travis. Barbara is always quick to give credit and thanks to the program volunteers, the Herald News Holiday Fund, and the people who worked at the Operation Christmas Telethon. Many of the volunteers at one time or another has been recipients of the toys distributed by CFC Operation Christmas.

This year, Best Buy employees from the Dartmouth, MA store contributed not only funds to help purchase the toys, but also their time and hard work in loading large black plastic bags with toys for children, aged infant to twelve.

Barbara expressed the ultimate goal of her program by saying, “I’m hoping we’re making some kids happy.” There is no doubt that goal was achieved, with many thousands of disadvantaged local children receiving the gift of Christmas holiday celebration and happiness from everyone who worked on behalf of Operation Christmas.

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The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP’s) volunteers at the St. Peter & Paul School were treated to a special afternoon tea with entertainment provided by the second graders of the school.

The school principal Ms. Burke welcomed all the parents and grandparents and thanked the RSVP’s for all the help they provide to the students attending the school. Then the start of the show started with the second graders performing an out of the ordinary rendition of the popular Christmas song “The twelve days of Christmas.”

Each of the students presented their version for each of the twelve days and at the end of the song they received a huge round of applause from the appreciative and proud audience.

Then the all in attendance were invited to share some coffee, tea and some sweet desserts

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Fire, wind, rain, and snow have not stopped the travels of CFC Taunton/Attleboro WIC’s community quilt. The quilt was made as a thank you to the sponsors of WIC’s Celebration of Parenthood event and is visible evidence of community support for CFC’s WIC Program. It was first displayed during Celebration of Parenthood on August 6, 2010. In the months since then, it has traveled to businesses and public buildings.

The quilt was in Taunton City Hall when a four-alarm fire broke out. Amazingly, the quilt survived and was moved to the former Maxham School, now temporary home to city hall offices. At this writing, the quilt is on display at the Taunton Public Library. CFC Taunton/Attleboro WIC sincerely thanks all who supported Celebration of Parenthood and the Community Quilt Project.

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The 24th annual CFC Operation Christmas Telethon was held at the New Harbor Mall in Fall River on December 3 through December 6. This event was once again a great success, raising thousands of dollars that will be used to purchase new toys for children who otherwise may not have any gifts from Santa Claus under the Christmas tree.

Mike Moran, Barbara Travis and Tom O'Grady speaking to the viewers on FRED TV

The face of of Operation Christmas, Barbara Travis, was on hand to greet local dignitaries, area vendors who had donated items to be auctioned and charitable groups that raised funds for the event. Many of the same volunteers participate every year, helping in any way they can, be it answering the phones to record bids on auction items or bringing the bids to volunteers who change the prices for auctioned items on the “big” board. Other volunteers record the winning bids and ensure that the identity of each auction winner is verified.

Members of the Bay Street Mechanics presenting a check for 1,500 dollars to Barbara

Items available to this year’s auction bidders included two Red Sox vs. Yankees game tickets (with limousine service to the game), Boston Celtics tickets, and autographed sports memorabilia.

Students from the B.M.C. Durfee High School FRED TV Program broadcast the entire three days of telethon activities to cable Channel 17 in Fall River. For the first time, Somerset and Swansea public access cable channels also carried the live feed from FRED TV.

FRED TV Students working hard to broadcast the telethon

As part of the Operation Christmas Telethon entertainment program, area youth groups sang holiday songs and older musicians provided plenty of live music for people walking through the New Harbor Mall.

Members of 'Day Old Funk' perform for the folks at the New Harbor Mall

When the Telethon came to a close on Sunday, the FRED TV students packed up their equipment and the many volunteers returned to their homes. Everyone involved in the Operation Christmas Telethon was a bit weary, but all were very satisfied that their work had helped to provide needy local children with gifts from Santa that would be waiting for them on Christmas morning.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

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