It was “beginning to look a lot like Christmas” during the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club’s Holiday Toy Drive Cocktail Reception, where residents gathered for good cheer and to drop off toys for Operation Hope, a nonprofit in Fellsmere that assists the less advantaged in our community.
Club members ushered in the holiday season with a heavy dose of generosity, arriving laden with more than 150 toys that Operation Hope distributed to children who might otherwise have not found anything under the Christmas tree.
Orchid Island general manager Rob Tench, resplendent in a Santa Claus-covered suit jacket, greeted club members as they added gifts to the growing pile. The toys were to be given out during Operation Hope’s annual holiday celebration, which featured singing, face painting, piñatas, games, food, and a visit from Santa Claus.
“We used to do Toys for Tots but never knew where the toys ended up. We wanted to make sure that we’re keeping our giving local; to the people who work and live in our community. The families in Fellsmere are an integral part of our labor team,” said Tench.
After mingling over cocktails, guests settled down for dinner and a performance by the Sebastian River High School Encore Choir, infusing the evening with the holiday spirit.
Operation Hope supports the Fellsmere community year-round by assisting individuals and families facing economic hardships. It was founded by Jesse Zermeño in 1997 to assist laborers and their families by improving living conditions and distributing food, clothing, and household items to those in need.
Additionally, Operation Hope organizes a bi-monthly food and grocery distribution, a backpack and school supply giveaway in August, and turkey giveaways at Thanksgiving. The facility also houses medical and dental clinics.
For more information, visit OperationHopeFL.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
