Why We Exist
No child should miss out on the joy of Christmas because of family hardship. And if our village of helpers has anything to say about this, no child in Albuquerque will.
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Operation Santa’s Child is a grassroots non-profit organization founded in 1993 by a small group of teachers, students, families, and friends who came together to bring Christmas cheer to a small group of children. More than 30 years later, we’ve become an all-hands-on-deck community operation that provides clothing, groceries, toys, educational supplies, gifts, and most importantly, hope – to children and families who are facing economic hardship.
Our History
Our first operation was a modest one: just a small group of students were selected based on which were the greatest in need. Recognizing that children are socially aware, means recognizing through no fault of their own, when children go without, they see it and feel it. At times embarrassment or shame develop and this can silence a child. No child needs to miss out on the kind of joyful Christmas kids look forward to all year. Upon realizing the impact our young learners and their families were facing – and how common cases like his are within our community – Operation Santa’s Child was born.
More than 30 years later, our mission to give the gift of holiday cheer to one group of children, has scaled into an all-hands-on-deck community effort that delivers a warm and cheerful Christmas to dozens of Albuquerque children and their families each year. With the help of a dedicated group of volunteers, donors, and sponsors, we provide coats, clothing, toys, school supplies, and holiday meals to make sure no child misses out on the magic of Christmas.
Founder's Vision
Early in her teaching career, Elizabeth Stock recognized the social and educational impact living in poverty has on children. She mobilized a small group of caring teachers, students, friends, friends, and her family to help ensure disadvantaged students wouldn’t feel forgotten at Christmas – and Operation Santa’s Child was born.
The objective: to meet each child's needs for clothing, school supplies, a full holiday meal, and ensure everything on each child's “Santa wish list" was delivered. Operation Santa’s Child is about more than a gift of help. To families who are struggling, this community effort offers hope.
"Each year, we come to the aid of families in crisis in our community. Through our village of helpers, we provide coats, clothing, toys, holiday meals, and most importantly, hope. There is no better feeling than making a difference in the lives of people who might otherwise feel forgotten at Christmas."
– Elizabeth Stock
