From the North Pole to South County

By Barbara B. Covell

For the TODAY

The true meaning of this holiday season is not lost in Waldport.  As the 37th year of Operation Santa brings food, toys and comfort to South County residents, it is also a reminder of how neighbors helping neighbors enriches the lives of everyone.

This is a story about multiplying love through donations of time and resources.  It is a testimony to community organizations that partner together to achieve optimum results in the smiles of children and relief for families.  The struggles of today’s economic fallout, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, have increased the need for assistance within Lincoln County. 

This is where the many programs of South Lincoln Resources make a difference.  What began as a Holiday Food Basket program in 1983 has blossomed into a community-wide food-distribution program on Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

“This is a massive effort that requires volunteers of all ages and abilities,” said Holiday Food Baskets Coordinator Sue Booth, “Everyone is welcome and no donation of time or money is too small.”

Food Baskets support residents of South County, from Ona Beach to Ten Mile Creek, and up Highway 34 to Five Rivers.  Volunteers also come from these areas, making this a model program of community giving. 

This sentiment is echoed by Sue’s husband, Rick Booth, who is president of the board for South Lincoln Resources and chaplain for Central Coast Fire & Rescue, the organization that coined the term “Operation Santa.”  Until this year, residents were treated to the flashing lights of fire trucks as they drove through Waldport neighborhoods, collecting food and toys for families in need.  Children of all ages were thrilled to see Santa Claus waving from the top of a hook and ladder.  This year, food and toy donations were collected at the Central Coast Fire & Rescue location, then transferred up to South Lincoln Resources.

The Booths say the requests for food baskets have declined this year, but neither is sure of the reasons why.  There are 50 less than the 519 from Thanksgiving of 2019.  This year’s Christmas basket totals will be 204, compared to last year’s 325. 

Ninety-seven baskets will be delivered by 20 volunteer drivers, and 107 will be picked up at the South Lincoln Resources building in Waldport.  An extra 20 are kept on hand for families who have not applied but need food.

The entire process is like a well-oiled machine.  The week before distribution there is a steady hum of elves filling baskets which have been carefully coded to ensure confidentiality, with separate codes indicating the number of children and seniors.  Delivery and pickup take place on Saturday, Dec. 19, and deliveries can only happen if someone is at the house to receive the basket.  Proof of residency is required and may be something such as a power bill. 

“I’ve been coordinating the Holiday Food Baskets for five years,” Sue said.  “It’s my holiday high.”

Each food basket contains about a week’s worth of food, including canned and boxed goods.  The day before distribution, a truckload of produce from Food For All in Amity, will deliver some 12,000 pounds of squash, potatoes, onions, carrots, turnips and other vegetables.  FFA is a group of high school students who glean what’s left of farmers crops.  A local football team will offload it.

“To be in a place and watch this happen is incredible,” Rick said.

Last items for the food baskets are the perishables, including milk, eggs, butter and meat, which are packed separately. 

The deadline for Christmas holiday food basket applications was Dec. 4. On the back of each Christmas application, parents could request gifts through the Children’s Christmas Gift Program by giving as much information on each child, including age, sizes and interests to ensure a good fit. Children must be 18 or younger, attend a local school and must live full-time with a parent or guardian.

Raenette Mohni, “Chief Elf” for the South County Children’s Christmas program, leads a team of elves to ensure toys make every child’s Christmas a happy one.  Mohni has been involved with the program for more than 20 years, serving as Chief Elf for 17 of them.  Her daughter, Arissa, is Mohni’s elf assistant.  They work together with a team of elf volunteers who shop year-round, looking for the best deals.  They also wrap each gift.

“Each child receives three gifts,” Raenette said.  “Something warm, something to play with and something to play with outside.  Additionally, there is a game for every family to play together.”  No high-end gifts, electronics or electronic games are included. 

Above the warehouse where the Holiday Food Baskets are prepared is Santa’s workshop that houses toys, clothes and games by age group, size and area of interest.  Shopping baskets are assembled for every child, with an identifying code and family code. 

“This makes the final assembly much more streamlined,” Raenette said. “We have learned a lot over the years.”

To learn more about South Lincoln Resources and its network of programs, call 541-563-3710.