Operation Christmas Joy, a Vermilion tradition now in its 55th year, is preparing for its annual packing and delivery events as volunteers assemble food and gifts for families across the Vermilion Local School District. The long-running holiday program began under the leadership of Kiwanis member Ken Cassell in 1970 and has continued every year since. For the past 25 years, the program has been coordinated by Brad Schwab, who took over when Cassell stepped down. Schwab now leads a core group of longtime volunteers who help organize, sort and deliver the donations.
This year’s schedule follows a familiar structure. Packing Night takes place Thursday, December 18 at 7 p.m. at the Vermilion High School Field House. Volunteers are welcome to simply show up to help sort food, organize gifts and prepare bags for each family. Delivery Day follows on Saturday, December 20 at 9 a.m. when volunteer drivers spread out across the district to bring food and gifts directly to homes.
Schwab said last year’s turnout exceeded expectations, with more than 100 volunteers participating, nearly double the previous high. He credits the strong turnout to broader community awareness and the enthusiasm of residents who want to help their neighbors during the holidays.
The process begins on Thursday evening when volunteers sort and pack food and gifts, organizing each household’s items by age and need. On Saturday morning, delivery teams take the prepared bags to families across the Vermilion Local School District. Much of the referral list comes from the Salvation Army, school counselors and other community partners. Operation Christmas Joy was originally created to help fill holiday season gaps in local assistance, and that mission continues today.
Several dedicated volunteers play important roles each year. Laurie Schwab, Brad’s wife, oversees the organization of gifts and preparation of children’s items. Monroe Austin assists heavily with coordinating donations. Lou and Nancy Forconi manage key logistics, and Lou ensures that each family’s bags are assigned to the correct driver and address.
The program also remains a family tradition for the Cassells. Ken Cassell’s son, Steve Cassell, and his grandson, Chris Cassell, continue to volunteer each year in honor of the program’s founder.
Today, December 11, marks the final day for dropping off physical donations in the community collection barrels around Vermilion. Clothing and stuffed animals are not accepted, and barrels will be closed after tonight. Monetary donations, however, are welcomed at any time. These funds help volunteers purchase the items that were not collected, especially for age groups where donations came in low. Purchases are typically made early next week to ensure each child receives an age-appropriate gift.
Monetary donations may be mailed to:
Operation Christmas Joy
4546 Liberty Avenue
Vermilion, Ohio 44089
Operation Christmas Joy serves families within the Vermilion Local School District. Referrals were due December 11, although Schwab said the program will still try to accommodate late requests through Wednesday, December 17 when possible. He emphasized that the goal is to ensure no family in need is overlooked.
Volunteers will gather Thursday night for what has become a meaningful and upbeat evening of service. The program continues with the same spirit that inspired its founding, bringing together residents who want to support their community during the holiday season.
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