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Operation Happiness, a yearly event put on by Clark County Community Services, will return to Winchester this year as is tradition. 

The event will be on a Saturday, as it’s set for Saturday, December 14, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church at 2410 West Lexington Avenue. 

Registration opens on October 21 and continues through November 1 from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. It can be completed preferably by calling 859-737-3636 or, as an alternative, in person at CCCS’ office at 30 Taylor Avenue. 

Registration is required to receive a Christmas food box and coats on December 14. Those not registering by November 1 at 2:00 p.m. will not be able to receive a food box. 

“Operation Happiness is a program for our community members and families in need,” said Laci Scarboro, Clark County Community Services Executive Director. “It’s going to be earlier this year, to go by the school calendar.” 

Stephanie Mahanes, Co-Chair of Operation Happiness, spoke. 

“We’ve made a few changes this year, and one of them is that they have to be a Clark County Community Services client,” she said. “That is only because we have so many people that come through that don’t utilize our services…[this] way, we can let them know that we’re here all year for you.” 

Each year, Operation Happiness aims to serve low-income families by supplementing Christmas food and other necessities. 

“It’s going to be ham this year [and] all the sides that would go along with the Christmas dinner. We also put in personal care and household items. Those are things that our clients can’t buy with SNAP benefits,” Scarboro said, with coats and other clothing items also being available. “This year, I’m really kind of segwaying into that connection piece. I really want to see our community connect with our clients and the people that we serve.” 

To that end, a resource table will be available, as will Christmas music, Scarboro hopes, crafts for children, and more. 

Kristy Weckwert, Director of Operations, has noted that the community has been proactive in assisting with the efforts over the past few years. 

“Parts of the community come together,” she said, noting that Boy Scout troops and even members of the work program from Clark County Detention Center have participated. “Partners, come and help us, and that’s awesome!” 

Yet she emphasizes that community help is essential. 

“I feel like people that are here for a long time may just think that this happens…I just want to push that reminder…that this is so vital,” she said. “It will not happen, especially with food prices, unless there’s buy-in.” 

Scarboro added that the community is welcome to provide assistance. 

“There are so many ways to help, and if anybody has any questions, they can call us,” she said. “I kind of broke it down last year, and…a $50 donation basically purchases a food box…we’re certainly going to have more families this year.” 

With food and other prices having increased because of inflation or other factors, the cost to run Operation Happiness is estimated at $70,000.

A link on the company’s website, at https://www.clarkcountycommunityservices.org/donate, can be used to provide donations.