More than 100 volunteers filled the Vermilion High School Field House Thursday night as Operation Christmas Joy began the first phase of its annual two-day effort to support local families during the holidays.
The volunteer-driven program, now in its 55th year, serves families within the Vermilion Local School District by providing food and gifts just days before Christmas. Thursday’s event focused on sorting and packing food and gifts, while delivery will take place Saturday morning.
This year’s effort will serve 118 families, including 197 children, with volunteers packing approximately 15,000 pounds of food into 876 bags. Organizers said 26 larger households will receive additional food based on family size. Each family will also receive a box of fresh items during Saturday’s delivery, including apples, potatoes, milk, bread and frozen meat.
“We’re serving 118 families this year, including 197 children, and it all comes together because the community shows up,” said Brad Schwab, who has coordinated Operation Christmas Joy for the past 25 years. “What would normally take all day gets done in just over an hour when people work side by side.”
The program also remains a family tradition for the Cassells. Founder Ken Cassell attended Thursday night’s packing event with his wife, alongside his son, Steve Cassell, and grandson, Chris Cassell, who continue to volunteer each year in honor of the tradition he began more than five decades ago. Cassell originally launched Operation Christmas Joy to fill a gap when food pantry distributions were unavailable in December, ensuring families did not go without during the holidays.
Schwab credited much of the program’s organization to his wife, Laurie Schwab, who oversees gift coordination each year. She was joined this season by husband and wife team of John and Monroe Austin, as well as the other volunteers who helped sort and organize donated items ahead of packing night.
Volunteers worked efficiently Thursday night as food and gifts were sorted by age and household needs. Children from infancy through age 18 will receive age-appropriate gifts, with donated items supplemented as needed to ensure no group is overlooked.
For many volunteers, the event is personal. Noah Jameson, who has helped with Operation Christmas Joy since high school, said the experience goes beyond logistics.
“Each family has a story, and each box we pack goes to that story,” Jameson said. “It’s about helping your neighbors and making sure people right here in Vermilion don’t feel forgotten during the holidays.”
Operation Christmas Joy will continue Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. at the Vermilion Field House, when volunteers will load vehicles and deliver food and gifts directly to families’ homes. Organizers say additional volunteers are still needed, particularly delivery drivers and helpers, and encourage community members to come out and assist.
Those interested in helping can arrive Saturday morning at the Field House. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a second person if possible, though accommodations can be made for individuals as well.
For more information, residents can visit the Operation Christmas Joy Facebook page or contact organizers directly. Operation Christmas Joy serves families within the Vermilion Local School District, with planning and referrals handled prior to delivery day.
