Operation Noel reaches goal; you can still donate

ABC-7’s Operation Noel telethon was a huge success on Thursday.

The telethon raised $171,846.50.

If you missed the telethon, you can still donate at http://bit.ly/18a8B4X

Thousands of borderland residents opened up their hearts and their wallets to help keep children warm during the winter.

Operation Noel is distributing a record 20,000 new winter jackets to needy children in El Paso and Doa Ana counties. 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 $270,000.00, or $13.50 per coat.

The goal during Thursday’s one-day telethon on KVIA was to raise $150,000. As of 10 p.m., the total was $140,876.20.

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 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. The partners cover the administrative costs and all other work is done 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.

Make a donation now at http://bit.ly/18a8B4X