FELLSMERE — Operation Hope and Fellsmere Community Prayer and Worship are hoping to make Christmas a little brighter for those in need – but they need the community’s help in making that happen.
Both organizations are in need of toys to hand out to families at their respective events. Operation Hope is hosting its annual Christmas Giveaway on Sunday, Dec. 22, and Fellsmere Community Prayer and Worship is holding Christmas Eve in Grant Park on Dec. 24.
Operation Hope founder Jesse Zermeno said they are woefully short on toys for those ages 6 through 10.
“We are dry,” he said. Zermeno hopes to get donations of play “makeup” and watches and other such items for girls and athletic balls – like soccer and basketballs – for boys.
Bicycles, too, are in demand. “It’s a hot ticket,” Zermeno said.
The Grand Harbor community in Vero Beach has donated enough bicycles for the children who attend school at Operation Hope – but there are few left over for the community’s children.
The Operation Hope Christmas Giveaway event will start at Noon – live entertainment will begin at 1 p.m.; Santa will arrive at 2 p.m.; and gifts and food will be distributed at 3 p.m.
“I’m just praying for wonderful weather,” Zermeno said, noting the event will go on rain or shine – though he does have a Plan B in the event of extreme weather.
Annie Mae Brown, pastor of Fellsmere Community Prayer and Worship, is also looking for toys to hand out to Fellsmere’s children during her annual Christmas Eve in Grant Park event, which will be held from 6 to 9 p.m.
Along with handing out presents to children, Pastor Brown will have carolers at the park singing with the crowd. Hotdogs and snacks will be available, as well.
“We really want to take care of the kids,” said volunteer Chanda Mundy, who is helping to drum up donations for the event.
Pastor Brown said they’ve been hosting the Christmas Eve in Grant Park for at least 15 years as a way to bring the community together – not just the immediate neighbors.
“We seem to be headed in the right direction,” she said of attracting a diverse group of people to the park – whites, blacks and Hispanics.