- Part of our mission at Operation Ornaments is to remember those who have been impacted by natural disasters—especially those in small places that are more likely to be forgotten.
With that, I am so excited to announce that we will be serving HAVILAH, CA that was destroyed by the Borel Fire. Havilah is a historic mining town in the foothills of California.
We will be partnering with Catholic Charities for distribution. I am so excited to bring your love to these people!
Robin Liljenquist Anderson
2. We’re heading to NEW MEXICO! The second area we will be serving is Ruidoso, New Mexico! As I watched the very few reports about the disaster there my heart was touched. The area experienced a wildfire that destroyed hundreds of homes. Just as they were able to breathe again massive flooding occurred wiping out many more homes. I was so sad and frustrated when the media did not cover this. We want the people in Ruidoso to know we have not forgotten them.
I’m so excited to serve Ruidoso! We will be working with an interfaith group spearheaded by Tanya, who is determined to make this an amazing experience for survivors. Tanya has been with us for a few years and reached out to us volunteering to serve survivors in New Mexico. Carolyn Nicolaysen
3. We are so excited to announce our third area of serving for 2025! We are thrilled to be able to deliver your gifts of love to MAUI this year!
It will be about 2 1/2 years since the horrific fire decimated their town. The progress has been painstakingly slow, but it’s moving forward. I know they will feel so loved when receiving your heartfelt gifts, so long after being impacted. They will truly feel remembered and seen.
Carol Burton
An aerial view of residential lots that have been cleared of wildfire debris and covered in gravel, seen as recovery work continues on August 3, 2024, in Lahaina. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has cleared wildfire debris from 1,372 out of 1,399 residential properties in Lahaina and 69 out of 159 commercial properties. https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2024/08/photos-lahaina-fire-one-year-anniversary/679398/
4. Operation Ornaments will be partnering with Mountain Mule Packers to deliver your ornaments to the families impacted by Hurricane Helene in the mountainous areas of NORTH CAROLINA and TENNESSEE. They will also be hosting two Christmas events for survivors and families will receive family packs at those events.
I am super excited to join efforts with this group who has spent so much time, energy, and love helping those who need it the most.
Laura Davis
Dear Operation Ornaments, I attended an event in Altadena, California yesterday where survivors of the Eaton Fire received ornaments from around the country. I made a list of all the wonderful people from Virginia to Arizona who took the time to create such heartfelt ornaments for those of us who have lost ours. I could not get through the package and the notes without crying. I would like to thank everyone individually, so that they know their ornaments made a difference, but I’m not sure there is room here. I thought Christmas would be sadder this year remembering how much is lost, but it’s actually happier knowing how many people took the time to show that they care. Thank you. You are angels, all.
Erin, thank you for reaching out to us. We are so happy to hear that the ornaments made it into your hands and that they brought you joy. That is definitely our goal. Wishing you all the best for this new year! Most of our crafters, (aka ornament angels), are on our Facebook page if you feel like you would like to reach out to them there.
Erin,
Thank you so much for your kind words. Crafters hope their ornaments bring love and joy to those who receive them, and hearing stories like yours reassures us that they do! The hundreds of crafters who donated this year hope all you receive ornaments will remember that you are not forgotten and that you are loved.
I have a collection of ornaments to send but can’t find an address. What should I do?
Cathy, I am so sorry this reply is late in coming. I don’t know if you already got an answer to your question, but if not, the cutoff date for the year is typically Oct. 31st. If you still have ornaments, we will be posting addresses of where to send them shortly. Thank you for your patience. And thank you for being an ornament angel. We couldn’t do this without you!
Hello. Are store bought ornaments and other holiday decor acceptable for donation?
I also would like an address to forward them so that they can put smiles on peoples’ faces.
Hello Rosa,
Thank you so much for your desire to help others, unfortunately we only accept handcrafted ornaments at Operation Ornaments. We want to offer recipients something personal and unique. If you would still like to help without crafting ornaments, you could consider donating funds. We have many costs associated with getting the ornaments into the hands of those we serve.
Very interesting points you have remarked, thankyou for posting.