Operation Santa underway in Hampton

Shoppers out and about prepping for the holiday season are encouraged to toss an extra gift in their carts to help out community members in need.

The Hampton Rotary Club’s annual Operation Santa toy drive has kicked off throughout the community. Each year, the Rotary Club situates boxes in community businesses and organizations to collect new toys generously donated by people in the area.

This year, boxes are stationed at First Bank Hampton, First Security Bank and Trust and United Bank and Trust, Hampton Hardware, Fareway, Franklin REC and La Luz Hispana in Hampton and First Citizens Bank in Latimer.

Rotary President Dan Hanson said that anyone who notices the boxes is encouraged to donate a new toy, still in the packaging, worth $25 or less. Gifts must be appropriate for ages 0 to 12.

Those who wish to donate financially instead, he said, are more than welcome to do so. Donations can be sent to the Hampton Rotary Club, P.O. Box 55, Hampton, Iowa, or dropped off to Hanson at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hampton. After cash is collected, Hanson said members of the Rotary Club will shop for additionally gifts with the monetary donations.

The collection culminates with the annual gift giveaway in December. To receive gifts collected through Operation Santa, Hanson said families in need with children newborn to age 12 must apply by Nov. 22. Applications can be picked up at the four previously mentioned banks, La Luz Hispana or at the Hampton Community Christian Daycare in Hampton and the Cub Cadet Daycare in Latimer. Hanson said applicants will receive a letter in the mail detailing the time and specifics of the pick-up date.

Last year’s Operation Santa efforts helped bring a touch of holiday joy to 200 children in the county. Hanson said the program is a great reminder that those with whom people work and live may not be as fortunate as themselves. By donating, people ensure their fellow community members also have happy holidays.

“It’s inspiring to see people care for their neighbors, to care for people they probably don’t know personally,” he said. “It shows us how as a community we can be connected and how the lives of our neighbors matter to each other.”

Hanson added that he’s appreciative of the yearly efforts of both the community’s businesses and individuals to ensure that more people can receive gifts for the holidays.

“To see both the businesses and the individuals respond to this is very inspiring,” he said.