Our 2022 Family Adoption Registration ​

 Operation Christmas Spirit, going 19 years strong, is comprised of family "adoptions," single service member gifts, unit Christmas party support, volunteer opportunities, and toy collections for children of service members. Hands down, the focus and most important piece of this project is our family "adoption" program.  Families are vetted through unit nominations and/or applications for Christmas assistance. Once a family is approved for the program, they fill out a family wish list.  These wish lists are shared only with the donor(s) we pair them with to make their Christmas wishes come true. ​

Thanks to our "Christmas Elves" all over the country, all waiting families have been "adopted" for 2022. 

If you'd still like to help, here are just some of the ways you can have a hand in making a difference: 

  • ​Donate online and we will use your donation to help where needed most click here . We help families in crisis year 'round through our Operation Enduring Support Program.
  • Help us collect GIFT CARDS for groceries, gas, clothing and household goods to be able to help when families need it most. 
  • Help us collect TOYS for unit Christmas parties and families in need of help -- sign up here. We are taking toy donations through December 16th. 
  • Donate our most requested/needed items -- all items we use for other projects year 'round so nothing goes to waste:
    • ​​Gift cards for groceries, gas, clothing and baby supplies
    • Diapers/wipes
    • Bath towels
    • Baby toys and supplies
    • ​Items for single service members: socks, tees, shower shoes, instant coffee, charging cords, $10 food gift cards, twin XL sheet sets
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Important to know: 
  • Wish lists we provide "adopters" include gift ideas for each family member, needs, hobbies, sizes, and more.
 
  • Gifts are dropped or mailed to our volunteers who help organize and coordinate gift pick ups with families.
 
  • We do NOT arrange for personal drop offs to families to protect their privacy and yours.  Most families write cards and make contact with donors after Christmas in thanks, but with years of experience doing this, we know that the overwhelming majority of families prefer a private pick up. 
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  • We do NOT take requests to find families in areas outside of our hub areas. We MAY end up having families in your area participate, but because families out of our hub areas apply for Christmas assistance, we go  where the help is needed. We are amazed each year by how the Spirit of Christmas brings people even in the most remote areas together, but we can't predict where needs will be this early. 

This Year's Timeline

​​Wish Lists Distribution Goals
*Note that there may delays depending on number of sign ups-- this is just an estimate*
November 15-25th. 
November 15-17 for donors registered by November 5th.
November 18-20 for those registered by November 15th
November 21-25th for those registered by November 20th
Within 5 days of registration for those registered after November 20th 
After November 25th, we will post specific family needs online for last minute "adoptions" until all of our wait list families are taken care of for Christmas. 
​Deadlines for Mailed/ Direct -shipped Gifts
​Due to shipping and supply chain issues we anticipate this year, we are asking all donors mailing gifts to shoot for gifts to ARRIVE BY December 12th
Drop-off Dates
Dec 12-16th (depending on location of family)
Family Gift Pick up Dates
December 14-17, varies by location

Send e-gift card donations to:  
Cindy at cfarnum@operationhelpahero.org to be used for families who reach out later in the season. Please also email her separately to make sure she is on the lookout. 

Mail gift cards or checks to: 
Operation Help a Hero
186 Sampson Drive, San Clemente, Ca 92672