Coming out of an abusive relationship, Jill realized that many domestic violence victims have been in worse situations than she's had to deal with.

But she's grateful for every bit of help provided by the Women's Center of Montgomery County.

"I was in an abusive relationship about six years ago and they kind of saved me from that," she recalled. "So I've been with them for a long time."

The mother of a 14-year-old and a 9-year-old, Jill has never been homeless, but is expecting some guidance from the organization in the coming months in finding affordable housing.

"I've never had to stay at a shelter. I'm staying with my sister right now but plan to move in the next four or five months," she said.

With her background in the medical field, Jill said she's been working steadily, except for a brief period when she had knee surgery.

"I try to get to as many of the weekly meetings as I can, but during that time when I wasn't working I was able to get to more meetings than I usually do," said Jill, who plans to pursue a grant to finance a degree that will allow her to pursue a different field.

"They can provide the resources for that but they don't do it for you. You have to do the work yourself," she said.

Jill wasn't sure how much assistance from Operation Holiday would be coming her way, but anything would be helpful, she said.

" My kids will be getting some gifts for Christmas, but not that much. I did get a call from Pauline about the program, so that's nice to know I'm on the list."

Jill noted that she had nothing but praise for Pauline McGibbon, who provided tremendous guidance over the years.

"She has always been there for me and it's meant so much," Jill said.

Now in its 29th year, Operation Holiday has provided a brighter holiday season to thousands of families with children throughout the region. Donations from readers last year allowed the program to provide food and gifts for 144 families with 442 children in need.

This year, 15 agencies in Montgomery County and northern Chester County have referred 107 families with 325 children. Stories of families interviewed by our reporters will appear in the newspaper and online between now and December 24.

There is no overhead with Operation Holiday and all funds stay local. Funds are collected and audited in a non-profit foundation account managed by staff of MediaNews Group.

Food, which includes the fixings for a holiday dinner as well as staples for the pantry, is ordered, bought, packed and distributed by employees and their family members as well as local high school and community volunteers..

Gift cards for every child in the program 16 years of age or younger are purchased through Boscovs and distributed in partnership with the referring agencies.

Operation Holiday does not accept families who have not been referred by an agency in order to protect the integrity of the program.

Operation Holiday is funded solely by readers contributions. All contributions are tax deductible.

Contributions can be mailed to The Mercury, Attn: Operation Holiday, PO Box 1181, Pottstown, PA 19464, or The Reporter, 307 Derstine Ave., Lansdale PA 19446. Make checks payable to "Operation Holiday."

Online donations are being accepted in a secure portal in partnership with TriCounty Community Network. Visit https://tcnetwork.org/ and click on the link for Operation Holiday.

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OPERATION HOLIDAY: Woman hoping for an educational grant with the help of Women's Center - The Times Herald