Operation Care International Annual Christmas Gift Event Draws Thousands

By Sylvia Powers
Correspondent

Operation Care International welcomed thousands of individuals and families experiencing homelessness to its Annual Christmas Gift Event at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, transforming Exhibit Halls A & B into a hub of hope.

Blankets, socks, toys, food, and a wide variety of holiday gifts filled the corridors of the convention center as families lined up to take advantage of the many services offered. “More than 11,000 people registered for the Christmas Gift event. Demand was so high that the registration system briefly crashed due to the overwhelming response,” said Susie Yanson Jennings, Founder and President of Operation Care International.

There were 1,200 volunteers on hand to assist guests and ensure the event ran smoothly. In addition to local outreach, the impact of the Christmas Gift initiative extended globally.

 According to Jennings, children in six countries also received holiday items, including the Philippines, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ukraine, Romania, Italy, and Kenya.

Held annually in December, the Christmas Gift event is a meaningful celebration honoring the birth of Jesus while serving individuals and families facing spiritual and economic hardship. 

Each year, the event brings together community partners, service providers, and volunteers to deliver vital resources in one large, efficient setting, helping guests take meaningful steps toward stability, dignity, and hope.

Attendees also received health services, including vision screenings and eyeglasses, further expanding the event’s holistic approach to care.

For additional details and updates, visit operationcareinternational.org.