(Page Co.) The Page County Sheriff’s Office has officially launched its annual Operation Blessing program, continuing a tradition that has brought Christmas joy to local children for more than four decades.
Requests for gifts are now being accepted through December 12, 2025, a timeline the department says helps ensure enough time and resources to fill each request before the holiday.
Operation Blessing began in the mid-1980s through the Page County Reserve Program, with the goal of making sure every child in rural Page County had an opportunity to receive a Christmas gift. The program has continued uninterrupted for over 40 years and continues to adapt to meet community needs. This year, gifts will be delivered just before Christmas Eve.
The program serves children from birth through age 14 who reside in Blanchard, Braddyville, Coin, College Springs, Essex, Northboro, Shambaugh, Yorktown, and the rural areas of Page County. Requests must be made by a parent or guardian, either by calling the Sheriff’s Office at 712-542-5193 or by stopping in person at 323 N. 15th Street in Clarinda.
Parents may request both a first and second gift choice, and the Sheriff’s Office recommends selecting one toy and one clothing item.
Monetary donations, which help sustain the program each year, are accepted year-round at the Sheriff’s Office. Donations may be dropped off in person or mailed to 323 North 15th Street, Clarinda, IA 51632.
Sheriff Charles McCalla extended his gratitude to the community, as well as the staff at the Sheriff’s Office, Jail, and PAGECOM Dispatch, for their continued support.
“Without the generosity of our donors, this program would not be able to continue,” McCalla said. “We thank everyone who contributes to making this a success each year. May everyone have a joy-filled and safe holiday season.”
The Sheriff’s Office wishes all residents a happy and safe holiday season as Operation Blessing gets underway.
