Posted on Wed, Oct. 14, 2009

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Operation Holiday anticipates greater need, seeks extra help

BY BECCY TANNER

The Wichita Eagle

Nicole Thompson stood at a news conference Tuesday to personally thank Wichitans for the help they have given her family in years past through Operation Holiday.

"I was able to get benefits for my family, such as clothing for the children and food," said Thompson, who works as a nurse. "It touched my heart. I know there are good people."

Wichita's largest holiday assistance program will be counting on good people more than ever in a sagging economy.

"We are experiencing a significant increase in requests for help," said Sue Castile, executive director of Inter-Faith Ministries, which serves as the umbrella organization for the annual drive.

"We need the community's help like never before."

The need is greater in part because there have been nearly 17,000 layoffs in Sedgwick County since October 2008, she said.

Last year, Operation Holiday assisted 13,675 adults and 6,472 children.

Operation Holiday seeks donations of money, food and clothing. It also works with the U.S. Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program to collect toys for children up to 14 years old.

Operation Holiday would like to raise more than $300,000 in cash, and receive 140,000 nonperishable food items, 5,000 new or gently used blankets and 3,000 clean and warm coats.

Last year, the project raised $290,000.

"The health of our business and the health of our economy is significantly linked," said Shawn Lancelot, president of Bank of America, and this year's chairman of Operation Holiday.

Applications for help will be taken from Nov. 2 through Nov. 24 at locations throughout the city. Donations will also be accepted at several locations.

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