Write a commentOperation Reindeer celebrated its 40th year spreading Christmas cheer with a record-breaking toy distribution day.
The all-volunteer organization, which has been hosted by the First Presbyterian Church in Mexico for over 20 years, received requests for 577 children from 198 families in the Mexico Central School District. For those who aren’t familiar with Operation Reindeer, it gives families age-appropriate gifts to children ages birth to 18 to gift their children on Christmas. While separate from the church, its 501(c)3 status is maintained under the church.
Well over 90 cents of every donated dollar goes directly to its mission. “We don’t even reimburse for gas mileage,” Reverend Karen Green of the First Presbyterian Church said with a laugh. “We strive to be as efficient as possible.”
Each package given to families includes wrapping paper and tape so that sponsored families celebrate just like everyone else. The privacy of sponsor families is also fiercely protected to reduce the stigma of asking for help, with families being referred to internally only by a number.
This year was a record breaker, far surpassing last year’s totals of approximately 460 children from 161 families. The totals this year include a few emancipated minors and those who are couch surfing and essentially homeless.
“We’re here to take care of our community, and we are only able to make the impact we do thanks to the incredible support Operation Reindeer receives from the businesses and people of Mexico,” Reverend Green said.
Tops Corporation has been a notable supporter, with a volunteer coming from the corporation’s administrative office in Rochester to see the impact of the company’s support each year. “It brings tears to his eyes,” the reverend noted. “It’s powerful.” Community volunteers include many students from Mexico schools—in particular, the Junior ROTC and ROTC programs, French Club, and Friends of Rachel, which was founded to promote small acts of kindness shortly after the Columbine school shooting. Any student in the district who needs community volunteer hours is welcome.
While the 2024 Operation Reindeer distribution has already been completed, the organization’s efforts are a year-round project. “We aren’t Walmart,” Green joked. “We need time to shop!”
Pastor Brandin Greco of the First United Methodist Church in Mexico, agreed, adding, “We check the after-Christmas sales to start stocking up for the following year. My wife looks for deals year-round. We make every dollar go as far as possible.” Pastor Greco and his family are intimately involved with Operation Reindeer every year.
To help ensure the volunteers have time to adequately shop for each participant, registrations for families are required by early to mid-November. Families looking for sponsorship in 2025 can reach out to school nurses in the Mexico Central School District for the paperwork, or contact Reverend Green at the First Presbyterian Church.
This year’s record number of families, however, have stretched the organization’s finances. They are in need of seed money to begin shopping for the 2025 toy drive.
Donors can mail checks made out to Operation Reindeer to P.O. Box 631, Mexico, NY 13114. The organization also accepts in-kind donations of new, unopened toys year-round through the First Presbyterian Church of Mexico and the First United Methodist Church of Mexico. Stay tuned in 2025 for more information on how to volunteer and get involved in this wonderful organization.
