Donor & Recipient Stories
To see stories of us in the news and other media, visit our About Us page.
Recipient Stories
Sherry Barnes
“We were victims from the tornado as well. [My husband] brought me this bag home and I can’t begin to explain the joy and tears as I opened each one and read each card enclosed. The fact they are all handmade is so special. They are going on my tree. I can’t begin to say thank u enough to each one who took the time to do this. I would love to help with this to brighten someone’s day as you all have mine. Your small tokens impacted in such a great big way. God bless u all.”
Paula
“Thank you so much for the lovely ornaments to restart my collection I will cherish them May God Bless each one involved in this venture. It means so much to know there are so many people that truly care about everyone affected by the disasters that have struck our world. Mine was the tornado last December but we are all in this together no matter what or where Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to all!“
Donor Stories
Connie Thompson
“I have been helping Operation Ornament for over two years now. I first started at a Relief Society, (church women’s group), work meeting that we found as a project on the ‘Just Serve’ website.
“Materials were provided or we could bring our own and make any type of ornament we wanted. A few samples were shown.
“Many unique ornaments were made that night and I fell in love with making ornaments!
“I have always loved to serve others and hearing about the many families who had lost everything in fires, flood, and tornadoes made we want to let them know that we as a church and as people care about them.
“I wanted to send them love and hope. Jesus Christ is their hope. We are His hands.”
Jeanie Gotta
“Why did I help make ornaments? I enjoy doing crafts, when my neighbor asked if I would like to help make Christmas ornaments for the fire survivors in Colorado who lost almost everything, I said of course. What can I help with? It gives me a great feeling of helping and empathy for the people that lost so much, but were grateful for their lives.
“By making and giving ornaments to people who need to know that there are others who care and are willing to help and share their time and talents with them, it helps them understand they’re not forgotten.”
Luz Williams
“My wonderful friend Laura Davis introduced me to this amazing project around 4 years ago, and as a mom, I’m always looking for a way to teach my kids about serving others. I told [my] daughter why we were doing it. Her eyes brightened up when I told her, and she got to work with even more excitement.
“I love this project so much, and we are looking forward to this year’s batch of new memories with my kids and friends!”
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
-Leo Buscaglia