As it has for 35 years, Operation Santa Claus will make sure thousands of needy Western Pennsylvania families enjoy the gift of a holiday meal this year.

Operation Santa Claus is a nonprofit organization and a cooperative effort by Trib Total Media, Shop ’n Save and the Salvation Army. This year, we will provide a festive and nutritious meal for 5,175 local households.

Each grocery bag will include a gift certificate for a meat item of the family’s choice, canned vegetables and fruit, spaghetti sauce, pasta, soup, brownie mix, macaroni and cheese, stuffing, crackers, hot cocoa mix, corn muffin mix, cookies, cranberry sauce, flavored gelatin and gravy. Bags also will contain coloring books, crayons and new or gently used storybooks for children.

Area Shop ’n Save stores provide the groceries at cost.

The charity is a good fit for the company’s retailers, says Chris Mintus, Shop ’n Save grocery merchandiser.

“Food is our business, and helping the community have a good holiday is important to all of the independent operators of Shop ’n Save stores,” he said. “Our customers and the communities Shop ’n Save stores are in all benefit from this program. It’s a way for retailers to give back and to help people enjoy their holiday.”

“We also offer letters from Santa,” said Lindsay Berdell Bock, the Tribune-Review’s marketing manager and president of Operation Santa Claus.

For a $5 donation, which goes to the campaign, families can receive a personalized letter from Santa for a child. Requests must be submitted by Dec. 6. Ads will run in the company’s publications.

Parent company Trib Total Media coordinates a team of more than 300 volunteers to load trucks and deliver groceries for packing. The Salvation Army screens the program’s recipients and coordinates delivery.

The most important ingredient in Operation Santa Claus’ success remains our contributors — the people, families and corporate donors who fund the project. No donation is too small. You can provide a nourishing meal for a family of four for $17.25.

Donation coupons will be published throughout the holiday season, along with lists of donors. Some donors prefer to remain anonymous, while others write a brief message to accompany the acknowledgement of their gift.

Operation Santa Claus has a fundraising goal this year of $92,000. Every dollar will be used to help our neighbors in need.

We’re putting dinner on the table. Won’t you help lend a hand and help us give the gift of a holiday meal? For more information or to donate online, visit osc.triblive.com.

Balance Brought Forward

$0

Merry Christmas Jess, Jesse and Jackson Robert and Ruth Nowak…$75

Merry Christmas!…$51.75

Geneva G, you put the grand in grandmother. Love, Brenda D…$50

Harry F, reminiscing about the wonderful memories with you, Dad! Love Brenda D…$50

In memory of John Uranker. Paul and Karen Yeckel…$30

In memory of Christopher DiBiasi. Mike, Holly, Michael and Jason DiBiasi…$30

In loving memory of Cooper Joynes, “Super Cooper,” Lots of love XOXO…$25

Total to Date: $311.75

Goal: $92,000

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