It seems like everyday you hear about yet another round of job layoffs and as Christmas approaches, more and more people fear they won't be able to provide presents for their loved ones.
Several organizations like the Redemption World Outreach Center's "Operation Go" program are trying to help as many people as they can. Next Saturday’s dinner and gift giving will look to serve around 5,000 people and that number could go higher.
“Tough times... tough times for so many people,” says Operation Go director Hasker Hudgens, Jr.
You've heard that phrase before and you'll hear it again, but just venting that fact doesn't make life any easier for people here in the Upstate.
People like Jennifer Rose. She just got custody of her four grandchildren. Her daughter helps out, but it's not enough.
“I want to be able to give them a good holiday, it's the first time they've been with family in two years,” says Jennifer through tears.
Jennifer has signed up for the Operation Go program. She’s not alone.
“I see so much fear in the eyes of the people that are walking in here this week… the people that normally give, there's fear in those people as well cause they don't know what tomorrow will be,” says Hudgens.
Although the outlook looks grim for the holiday season, those that apply for Operation Go should take a little bit of hope from it because the director of the program has been where they are and is going to do whatever he can to help them out.
“My testimony is that I stood in that line about 15 years ago… to get toys for my children I feel it's a way to give back,” says Hudgens.
The program will provide a meal, toys, blankets, and even jobs and education for those in need in Greenville County and the surrounding area.
“People need help, people need hope. And that's what we're gonna give. We're going to give people hope this year,” adds Hudgens.
Hope and faith are comforting Jennifer and her family right now.
“It'll be ok god will see us through. He'll take care of us. He never gives us more than we can handle,” she says.
You can sign up for Redemption World Outreach Center's "Operation Go" program Monday through Wednesday (12/15 – 12/17) at the Teen Arena on Haywood Road in Greenville.
If you want to donate, toy donations will be accepted at the Greenville Spinx locations.
For more details, click here
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