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Operation Wish List bringing smiles -- and toys -- to kids in need

Operation Wish List is dedicated to giving hope and creating memories for families who have experienced life-altering situations.

NORFOLK, Va. — Operation Wish List is once again spreading holiday cheer to children in need this Christmas for its 11th year in a row.

Norfolk-based nonprofit MyHelpMyHope Foundation began its annual gift distribution program on Thursday. Families are referred to Operation Wish List from local shelters, foster care homes, and other agencies.

Operation Wish List makes sure the kids in those families get a gift for Christmas. The toys are donated by the community and various sponsors. Harris said they are serving about 400 families in need just this year.

Founder and CEO of the organization, Cathy Harris, said many of the people they are serving this year are victims of domestic violence or struggling with homelessness.

"It breaks my heart all the time because we get so many calls of victims asking for help," said Harris.

For Harris as a two-time domestic violence survivor, she said seeing the rise in cases hits close to her heart. Now she is using her past to help create a better future for others.

"It took me three times to leave. It takes a woman on average seven times to leave her abuser," said Harris. “I believe God turned my pain into purpose. He used what happened to me to be able to reach back into the community as a domestic violence advocate. It makes us feel good to give back, that’s what we’re here for.”

It's the same Christmas spirit that people who are receiving gifts this year are now inspired to pass along. Leonard Stanley from Norfolk showed up in the afternoon to pick up some gifts for his family. He has five kids, two of whom are still young and live at home.

"It really inspires me to do, to want to do... to want to do more," said Stanley.

To help keep everyone safe during the pandemic, organizers are doing a drive-thru pickup at their storage facility, for the families to receive their gifts.

More toys will be distributed again on Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the AAAA storage center off of Military Circle Highway. 

Harris said they already have a list of families signed up to receive gifts, but you can call to ask other questions if you need help.

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