By Jessica Tuggle
jtuggle@hometownnewsol.com
FELLSMERE -- Boxes wrapped in shiny paper sitting underneath a colorfully lit Christmas tree is a classic holiday scene, but some families in Indian River County will not have enough this year to make some Christmas magic for their children.
Operation Hope in Fellsmere is reaching out to those families once again this year with gifts for children, but the nonprofit can't do it alone.
Jesse Zermeno, president of Operation Hope's board of directors, said donations of gift items for children and non-perishable food items are needed for the Dec. 16 Christmas party.
Each year, Operation Hope distributes toys and food to needy families in the community in a block-party style Christmas party. This year's event will begin at 1 p.m. and will include a visit from Santa Claus.
Suggested gift donations include dolls, books, cars, and other children's toys and games for children under 10 and sports equipment and watches for older children.
Operation Hope is a nonprofit organization based in Fellsmere that seeks to meet needs of local residents and migrant workers and their families through distribution of school supplies, food, Christmas gifts and a daycare.
For more information, call Mr. Zermeno at (772) 571-0003.