Holiday Helper: A Marine Spouse Delivers Joy to Military Families with Operation Christmas Spirit
Posted on: November 20,2024By: Heather Escamilla
From Leatherneck Magazine, December 2024
Holiday Helper: A Marine Spouse Delivers Joy to Military Families With Operation Christmas Spirit
This holiday season, military families who might otherwise go without will have food on their tables and gifts under their trees thanks to Operation Christmas Spirit—the flagship project of Operation Help a Hero (OHH).
Twenty-three years ago, Cindy Farnum saw a need and did what Marine Corps spouses do best—got to work. And she hasn’t stopped since. As the founder and Executive Director of Operation Help a Hero, Farnum continues to actively participate in many of the organization’s projects, all while leading a remarkable team.
For Farnum, teamwork is not just a value—it’s essential to success. “Nothing I’ve done has ever been done alone,” she said.
What began as a small initiative to support 15 families at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., has grown into a nationwide mission, impacting housands of lives across 35-40 military bases every year. Operation Help a Hero now helps more than 450 families, 5,000 single Marines and Sail ors and countless children. This extra ordinary reach is fueled by Farnum’s joyful and humble spirit.
A 1994 graduate of Michigan State, Cindy met her spouse in Chicago while putting herself through graduate school for advertising. She never imagined how far her passion for supporting military families would take her.
After following her husband’s career from Chicago to Camp Lejeune and later to Camp Pendle ton, Cindy experienced firsthand the life of a military spouse and what makes Marines special—not just as warriors, but as family members, parents, and friends.
The unique challenges of military life foster deep bonds among families, creating a support network that thrives in adversity. A Marine’s dedication to service, sacrifice, and each other show-cases a profound loyalty that extends beyond individual duty, highlighting the strength and spirit that defines the Marine Corps.
The seeds of Operation Help a Hero were planted shortly after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Middle school students at St. John’s Episcopal School in Rancho Santa Margarita, were inspired by a Vet-erans Day visit from local veterans and wanted to give back to the community. Under the guidance of Farnum, whose husband was gearing up for deployment, the students decided to reach out to Marines of 1st Battalion, 5th Marines.
As 1/5 deployed to Kuwait and then Iraq in 2002, students sent them more than 1,300 care packages, brightening the spirits of Marines far from home. Soon, this small initiative grew into something much larger, bringing communities to-gether to support our returning heroes and those recovering from injuries.
As the organization continued to grow, it evolved to meet the diverse needs of military families. From organizing family events, baby showers and welcome home parties to launching Operation Bedtime Story—where Marines recorded bedtime stories for their children—OHH has created innovative ways to foster con-nection and support, including Operation Christmas Spirit.
Every year, Operation Help a Hero brings joy to hundreds of families through Operation Christmas Spirit by mobilizing the community and generous donations.
In just one holiday season, Operation Christmas Spirit will deliver a “complete Christmas” to more than 400 military families, ranging in size from 2 to 14 mem bers, while also providing over 2,000 unmarried servicemembers with gift cards and other thoughtful gifts. OHH also makes donations to more than 100 units annually.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Operation Help a Hero is the community it has cultivated. Families that once re-ceived assistance now contribute as donors, creating a ripple effect of kind-ness. There are countless stories of in-dividuals stepping in to help, such as when a family reached out just days before Christmas for assistance. OHH responded immediately, providing food, gifts, and even paying the family’s elec-tric bill—proving that support is more than just material aid; it’s a gesture of compassion and understanding.
In 2009, OHH became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, solidifying its ability to raise funds and expand its reach. To-day, volunteers serve not only at Camp Pendleton but also at various military installations across the country, from Yuma, Ariz., to the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Farnum is emphatic: anyone can make a difference. Whether you’re local or far away, there are countless ways to support servicemembers and their families. From organizing toy drives and gift card collections to assembling care packages for single Marines, each effort contributes to a larger mission of gratitude and support.
OHH stands as a testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of those who serve and their families. As Farnum aptly puts it, “It is hard to ask for help, but the kindness of strangers touches the heart.”
With nearly 20 years of dedicated service, Operation Help a Hero continues to grow, thanks to the generosity of volunteers and donors committed to honoring our nation’s heroes.
Visit www.operationhelpahero.org for more information on how to get involved.
