Operation Santa Claus Receives $4K Donation

With less than a month until Operation Santa Claus delivery day, the situation looked dire.

Though the charitable program of the State Employees’ Association had found sponsors for thousands of children, more than 400 still needed help. Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation came to the aid of these children with a generous contribution of $4,000.

Operation Santa Claus, also known as OSC, first began more than 50 years ago when a small group of state employees decided to pool their resources to provide Christmas gifts for children in need. Since that time, the program has grown exponentially providing holiday cheer for about 3,000 children living all around the state. NH DHHS social services case workers identify the children and through the generosity of active and retired state employees, members of other SEA/SEIU Local 1984 bargaining units, the public and corporations each child receives items they need, as well as items they want. Many of the children are abused, neglected or homeless.

OSC put out a plea for help in the State Employees’ Association online newsletter, which caught the attention of WMUR-TV. The station broadcast a short feature, which drew a response from the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation. The Foundation donated $4,000 to sponsor the remaining children.

“Knowing that these children will have a happy Christmas filled with good cheer and gifts is thanks enough for us,” said Beth Roberts, Senior Vice President, Regional Markets for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. “At Harvard Pilgrim giving back to the community is an essential part of our mission throughout the year, and we are delighted to join with state employees and others in supporting Operation Santa Claus.”

Linda Farrell, a State of NH retiree and the chair of the Operation Santa Claus Committee, said OSC is truly a community effort that depends on its volunteers and donations big and small.

“We couldn’t succeed without help from caring people and organizations across the state,” Farrell said. “We’re incredibly appreciative of this donation from the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation, which will help hundreds of children. We also want to thank WMUR-TV for getting the news out.”

“Together, with the people who donate a few dollars or sponsor just one child, or a company that donates hundreds of dollars, the community comes together to help make the holiday season just a bit brighter for children and families in need,” said Richard Gulla, President, SEA/SEIU Local 1984. “On behalf of our organization, I thank Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation for helping us reach our goals this year.”

“All children who needed sponsors will get presents to open on Christmas Day, just as they have for all of Operation Santa Claus’ 55 years of operation,” said Gulla. “Volunteer help is needed on drop-off days of Nov. 30, and Dec. 1 and 2, as well as the distribution day of Dec. 10. If you can volunteer some time on one of those days, you can email seaosc@seiu1984.org.”

You can read more about OSC online at seiu1984.org/operationsantaclaus.