While the COVID-19 pandemic drifts into the past, its impact on mental health continues to reverberate across the country.
Danny, a married father of four, is no stranger to this reality. Four years ago, his life was thrown into turmoil when he began experiencing crippling mental health issues.
“It was debilitating,” said Danny.
The situation took a severe emotional and financial toll on the household. With the family breadwinner unable to hold down a job, money became extremely tight, forcing the family to rely on food pantries.
“There was a lot of stress,” said Danny. “I couldn’t function properly as a dad as far as providing for my family. I wasn’t able to enjoy my wife and family.”
But after several years of mental health struggles, Danny now finds himself on the mend. He credits extensive therapy, his faith in God and, in particular, his wife.
“It was really hard for her. She had her low moments as well,” said Danny. “But she hung in there and did everything she could, went above and beyond to see that I got proper treatment and help in whatever way she could. I give her five stars and above.”
While Danny has returned to work as a landscaper, his financial situation remains precarious. The family primarily lives paycheck to paycheck and remains dependent on food pantries.
“The bills come in and the money disappears pretty quickly,” said Danny. “We don’t have a lot of cushion.”
As Christmas has approached, Danny’s children, ages 2-9, have asked for Christmas gifts. Danny describes feeling “blessed” to have successfully purchased some items. But as a devout Christian, he hopes to spend the holiday honoring its deeper meaning.
“Our desire is to simply spend time together as a family and honor the birth of Jesus,” said Danny. “Just be able to do some gift exchanges and have peaceful, happy family time. I’m a lot more comfortable and present this Christmas compared to last Christmas.”
Moving forward, Danny hopes to continue the road to recovery while rebuilding his family’s future.
“It has been a major change in the way our family operates. But my family is thrilled to be able to actually have a dad that is there to support them and interact with them on a normal level,” said Danny. “My goal is to continue recovering and restoring our family and our relationships among us.”
History
Operation Holiday was started in 1991 at The Mercury in Pottstown to help families going through tough times provide something for their children during the holidays. The mission of the program is to make sure there is food on the table and gifts under the tree when Christmas morning comes.
Now in its 34th year, the program has served thousands of families throughout Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties, expanding its reach in recent years to include communities served by readers of the Reading Eagle, The Times Herald, The Reporter, and Daily Local News.
Nearly $90,000 in donations last year provided food and gifts for 419 children and 184 families, plus cash donations to food pantries in Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties.
This year, Operation Holiday has partnered with 17 agencies in the tri-county area. Agencies have referred 189 families with 366 children for gifts and food.
There is no overhead with Operation Holiday and all funds stay local. Funds are collected and audited in a nonprofit foundation account managed by staff of MediaNews Group newspapers who volunteer their time.
Gift cards to area grocery stores are provided to each family for food, so that they can purchase the fixings for a holiday dinner as well as staples for the pantry. Weis Markets is a partner with Operation Holiday and has assisted with food purchases and gift cards.
Gift cards for every child in the program 16 years of age or younger are purchased through Boscov’s and distributed in partnership with the referring agencies so that families can purchase gifts of their choice.
Operation Holiday does not accept families who have not been referred by an agency. Operation Holiday is funded solely by reader contributions. All contributions are tax deductible.
How to donate
Online donations are being accepted in a secure portal in partnership with TriCounty Community Network. Visit and click on the link for Operation Holiday.
Contributions also can be mailed with checks payable to Operation Holiday to PO Box 1181, Pottstown PA 19464; The Reporter, 34 Susquehanna Ave., Suite 100, Lansdale PA 19446; Operation Holiday, 1440 Lacrosse Ave., Reading, PA 19607.
The names of all contributors are published in the participating newspapers as donations are received. Please note whether a contribution should be designated as anonymous or given in tribute or in memory of someone.
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