Operation Noel helping children across the Borderland stay warm this winter

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EL PASO, Texas -- Colder temperatures are hitting the Borderland. While many have the resources to stay warm, others don't.

For more than 70 years, Operation Noel has helped children across the Borderland providing them with more than 25,000 new coats.

100 percent of the proceeds raised go directly towards buying new coats for families who can't afford to buy them in El Paso and Dona Ana counties.

Children who receive the coats provided by Operation Noel are identified by social workers, school counselors and educators.

One family being helped by the nonprofit is the Acevedo family. Erika Trujillo lives in Montana Vista with her three daughters, Natalia, 17, Leslie, 14 and Aileen, 10.

The family of four is living in a home with out working electricity, water, or gas.

"We usually go through generator about a year," said Erika Trujillo. She said she picks and chooses what time her generator will run. 'Its like $25 a day or more…we just turn it on from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m."
The family does what they can to get by. Erika recently had a stroke and had to stop working, but she said she is grateful for the support from her family.

"We were out of power for three days until (their) grandfather bought us one so we could have light."

Even, her daughters have stepped up to help her. "What i usually do i try to sell stuff at school, like chips," said Natalia Acevedo. "(Leslie and Aileen) usually just help by cleaning out, so we all put our effort into the house."

While a jacket may be something many take for granted, Erika and her three daughters are thankful for what Operation Noel is doing. "Its something nice that they're doing and we appreciate it," Natalia said.