Update: Operation Family Christmas Wish Tags Available at Banks & Credit Unions in Cook County
Nov 15, 2024 10:10AM ● By Content Editor
Photo: Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash.com
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - Update November 15, originally posted November 4, 2024
For the past 10 years, Operation Family Christmas has served families in need during the holiday season, thanks to Jes Rodne, volunteer coordinator for the program. Rodne, who took over as the main organizer from a group of women, will be stepping down at the end of the season. In an interview with the Cook County News Herald, she shared that "The program has been successful in helping thousands of children in the community during hardships through the Christmas holidays, and it has brought so much joy to her heart," however, it's time to pass the program to someone else. That "someone else" is the Cook County Council on Aging organization and Chris Bautch, Programs and Activities Director for The Hub in Grand Marais.
Late last month, applications opened for those wishing to apply and be considered to receive gifts and donations in time for the holiday season. Applications are being made in person at various places throughout the county (Editor's 11/15 note: Applications are now closed). Rodne said, "If you are a child's guardian or see a need for one, you can apply." This is the last week applications will be accepted, as "Deadlines are necessary for the success of the program," she added. See below for a list of remaining dates, times, and locations for applying.
Now that all the applications are in, wish tags with anonymous information for a child are available at Grand Marais State Bank, North Shore Federal Credit Union, and Security State Bank. During each location's business hours, community members can go in and select a tag(s) to fill out. All gifts should be returned to the bank from which the tag came by December 9.
If you would like to support the program or a child but are not able to shop, you can donate to the program by contacting Rodne at (218) 370-2019 or [email protected].
"Thank you so much to everyone who has helped and continues to help make this program a success. I have seen firsthand how your generous hearts have truly blessed so many in this community," Rodney said.
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - Update November 15, originally posted November 4, 2024
For the past 10 years, Operation Family Christmas has served families in need during the holiday season, thanks to Jes Rodne, volunteer coordinator for the program. Rodne, who took over as the main organizer from a group of women, will be stepping down at the end of the season. In an interview with the Cook County News Herald, she shared that "The program has been successful in helping thousands of children in the community during hardships through the Christmas holidays, and it has brought so much joy to her heart," however, it's time to pass the program to someone else. That "someone else" is the Cook County Council on Aging organization and Chris Bautch, Programs and Activities Director for The Hub in Grand Marais.
Late last month, applications opened for those wishing to apply and be considered to receive gifts and donations in time for the holiday season. Applications are being made in person at various places throughout the county (Editor's 11/15 note: Applications are now closed). Rodne said, "If you are a child's guardian or see a need for one, you can apply." This is the last week applications will be accepted, as "Deadlines are necessary for the success of the program," she added. See below for a list of remaining dates, times, and locations for applying.
Now that all the applications are in, wish tags with anonymous information for a child are available at Grand Marais State Bank, North Shore Federal Credit Union, and Security State Bank. During each location's business hours, community members can go in and select a tag(s) to fill out. All gifts should be returned to the bank from which the tag came by December 9.
If you would like to support the program or a child but are not able to shop, you can donate to the program by contacting Rodne at (218) 370-2019 or [email protected].
"Thank you so much to everyone who has helped and continues to help make this program a success. I have seen firsthand how your generous hearts have truly blessed so many in this community," Rodney said.
