Armed Services YMCA El Paso
Armed Services YMCA El Paso
Operation Holiday Joy was initially established in collaboration with Woman’s Day Magazine and their readers to raise awareness and funds for military service members and their families during the holidays.
Since 2004, Operation Holiday Joy supporters have donated more than $1.3 million to make the holidays brighter for military members and their families. Your generosity has allowed us to purchase and distribute more than 320,000 toys as well as deliver over 25,000 baskets of food for Thanksgiving and Christmas to junior enlisted families in need.
At ASYMCA El Paso, we proudly serve junior enlisted families stationed in the Borderland, ensuring every family feels supported during the holidays.
Operation Harvest Helpings
Operation Harvest Helpings (formerly known as Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway) provides military families with a traditional holiday meal. Each registered family receives a Commissary gift certificate for a ham or turkey and a meal bag with classic Thanksgiving sides. The program eases financial strain and offers a sense of comfort and connection during the holidays.
Operation Harvest Helpings 2025
November 20 • 1–5 PM
Junior Enlisted Family Center
Registration is required. Eligible for E6 and below. Registration is currently full, but a waitlist is available. Families on the waitlist will be contacted if additional meals become available.
Cookies with Santa
Cookies with Santa, part of Operation Holiday Joy, brings military families together for a warm and memorable holiday celebration. Families enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and photos with Santa, and each child receives a new toy. This event offers holiday magic and connection for families who may be far from loved ones or navigating deployment.
Cookies with Santa 2025
December 12 & 13
Junior Enlisted Family Center
Two days are offered to better accommodate busy schedules.
Registration is required. Eligible for E6 and below. Please register each child for only one day.
We help as many junior enlisted families as possible, but many more will go without. Help us make the holidays brighter for more military families.
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