Operation joy!
2014
As the holiday season approaches, thoughts turn to bringing joy to the homeless residents in the county.
Last year, Baltimore County Public Schools enrolled over 3000 homeless students. Baltimore County has
a number of homeless shelters with families and children who need our help. There are women,
children, and men (over 18) who need support. The shelters provide housing for approximately
320 men, women, and children. Operation Joy is a way for you to help the less fortunate by providing
“Joy with Holiday Surprises.”
We are requesting gifts be placed in gift bags and not wrapped.
Games,
Toys, Dolls,
Etc.
Gloves, Hats,
Scarves, Socks
Books, Puzzles,
Crafts
Gift Certificates
Toys R Us, Giant,
Target, K-Mart, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I drop off the “Holiday Surprise”?
Contact Robert Powers at the distribution center to make arrangements for pickup of large quantities. Bob can be
reached by e-mail ([email protected]) or by calling 410 887-6345. Last day for pickup is November 21, 2014.
When will the gifts be distributed?
All gifts must be to the distribution center at Pulaski Park, Suite 301, by November 26, 2014, so the elves can distribute
the holiday surprises to the shelters during the week of December 15, 2014.
Any questions, please contact Sharon Holter at [email protected]
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Once again, we are also accepting items that will not fit into a gift bag. Gift certificates and gift cards would be
appreciated for the families. Everything given in the past has been needed and appreciated. Our goal is to give
everyone a gift. We are accepting ONLY NEW items.
Below are some suggestions:
INFANTS:
Receiving blankets, undershirts, sleepers, sweaters, onesies, soft toys, rattles, teething rings, powder, lotion,
books, and socks, etc.
TODDLERS:
Small blankets, undershirts, training pants, pajamas, sweaters, socks, age-appropriate toys and games, blocks,
puzzles, counting games, dolls, trucks, and books, etc.
TOYS:
Books, puzzles, board games, coloring books, crayons, learning games, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, yo-yo’s,
Etch-A-Sketch, or other handheld games, toys that light up or make noises (with extra batteries, please), trucks,
and cars, etc.
SPORTS:
Footballs, basketballs, volleyballs, soccer balls, handheld sport games, baseball caps, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and
small radios with earplugs, etc.
CLOTHING:
T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, flannel shirts, pajamas, robes, socks, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, and any
warm clothing item, etc.
GIFT CARDS:
Target, K-Mart, Walmart, Toys-R-Us, McDonalds, Burger King, etc.
PERSONAL:
Hair spray, hair gel, shampoo, cologne, shower sprays, deodorant, body lotions, liquid soap, towels, wash cloths,
handheld mirrors, nail polish, and nail files, etc.
OTHER:
Sunglasses, flashlights (with extra batteries) jewelry sets, hair-clips, watches, small picture books, photo albums,
wallets, playing cards, socks, mittens, gloves, and knit hats, etc.
REMEMBER: WE ARE ONLY ACCEPTING NEW ITEMS!!
Please use gift bags and do not wrap gifts
Thank you for your thoughtfulness for the less fortunate
Baltimore County citizens!
The Operation Joy Committee
Mary Jo Slowey
Homeless Education/Title I Liaison