FELLSMERE — At last count, there were approximately 900 toys ready to find new homes with the children of Fellsmere and beyond minutes before Santa’s elves at Operation Hope began handing them out as part of the organization’s annual Christmas giveaway.
Many children partially hid behind their parents or grandparents as they approached the table and offered a quiet, shy “thank you” in exchange for the plastic bag holding a couple toys. The elves – volunteers and board members of Operation Hope – smiled and waved back, wishing the kids and their family a merry Christmas.
“It’s a godsend,” said John Perry of the annual giveaway. When he was employed, he came out to Operation Hope to volunteer. Now he comes for assistance after having lost his job to a foreign interest.
Perry brought his wife, Brittaney, and their children, Hailee and Sidney, to get a few Christmas presents for the girls.
“We don’t have any money for Christmas,” Perry said.
Antolet Lloyd is in a similar situation, which is why she brought her five nieces and nephews out to Operation Hope Sunday afternoon.
She had been to the center earlier in the week, picking up food that was delivered by Feed the Children and was told about Sunday’s event.
“It feels good,” she said of knowing there is help available when you need it.
She said she was thankful of the community’s support.
Operation Hope Board President Jesse Zermeno said the organization doubled the number of toys handed out this year over last.
“I’m happy, let me tell you,” Zermeno said of the way businesses, churches and civic groups stepped up to help needy families have a better Christmas.
Such businesses that helped included SunAg, IMS Partners Inc., Treasure Coast Food Bank, Pepsi, and Wal-mart.
Feed the Children, too, helped by transporting nearly $50,000 worth of food items from Oklahoma to Indian River County.
The organization reached out to the United Way of Indian River County and United Way pointed them to Operation Hope.
Along with handing out toys and food, about 50 children were selected to take home brand new bicycles.
“It was a very difficult selection,” Zermeno said.
The Grand Harbor community donated two dozen bikes to the Operation Hope school children. And 30 more were donated by other various groups and people.
“They’re great people,” John Perry said of those who help at Operation Hope, adding of Zermeno, “He’s got a big heart.”
