Operation Noel 2013 fundraising surpasses 2012 total

Operation Noel raised $127,200.26 during the 2013 fundraising efforts by KVIA and El Paso Times.

For more than 70 years, Operation Noel has looked out for some of our area’s neediest children.

The charity has evolved over the years, but its primary mission today is to provide new winter coats to more than 19,000 children in the region whose families cannot afford to buy the coats for them. This is possible through community donations both individual and corporate. One hundred percent of the donations go toward paying the bill for the new coats, which is approximately $256,500.00, or approximately $13.50 per coat.

Operation Noel is a non-profit organization, funds for Operation Noel are raised through the efforts of the HUB International, Mattress Firm, El Paso Times, and a “mini” telethon on KVIA News Channel 7.

The charity’s main fundraising campaign is done throughout the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season, but donations are accepted year-round.

Operation Noel is one of the only nonprofit charities in the area that allocate 100 percent of donations to the cause. Everyone who works with Operation Noel does so on a volunteer basis, so there is no overhead cost.

For many area children, Operation Noel is their only hope of getting a new winter coat. Over the years, we have heard of Operation Noel coats being passed on to younger children in the family.

The children who receive the coats are identified by area social workers, educators and school counselors.