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.
Stay tuned! Information on the 2024 season is coming soon!
Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway
The Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway is a cherished part of Operation Holiday Joy, offering military families a chance to enjoy a traditional holiday meal together. Each family receives a gift certificate to the Commissary, allowing them to select a ham or turkey, along with a meal bag filled with classic Thanksgiving side items. This event eases financial stress, providing families with the means to gather for a comforting meal despite the challenges of military life. For some, it’s a first Thanksgiving in a new location; for others, it’s a moment of normalcy during a partner’s deployment. The Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway strengthens family bonds, helping military families feel seen, supported, and appreciated by their community.
Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway 2024 will be held November 22 from 1p-5p at our Junior Enlisted Family Center.
Registration is required. Families E6 and below are eligible to participate. Registration opens November 11.
Cookies with Santa
Cookies with Santa is a festive holiday celebration held as part of Operation Holiday Joy, bringing military families together to create special memories. At this event, families enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, and children get the thrill of meeting Santa Claus, complete with the opportunity to take memorable holiday photos. Each child also receives a new toy, helping to spread holiday cheer and relieve the financial burden of gift-giving for families with limited budgets. This joyful gathering offers military families, many of whom may be far from loved ones or experiencing the hardships of deployment, a sense of normalcy and community. By fostering holiday spirit and connection, Cookies with Santa helps military families feel valued, supported, and at home for the holidays.
Cookies with Santa 2024 will be held December 13 at our Child Development Center. Time TBD.
Registration is required. Families E6 and below are eligible to participate. Registration opens December 2.
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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