Now in its third year, Operation Brotherly Love is a holiday carnival that supports more than 400 Philadelphia-area families in need, and provides more than 1,000 children with personalized holiday gifts and brand new winter coats. I believe it has become one of the largest holiday events for families in need in the Philadelphia Region.  When you include the volunteers, Operation Brotherly Love touches more than 2,000 people from Philadelphia and the surrounding region.  It promotes a common vision of connecting with families and children in need, to create a happy holiday season for all. 

Wawa is a leading partner of this event, led by the efforts of Adam Schall, Wawa’s Planning & Analysis Director.  Every year, Wawa’s support and number of volunteers grows, and this year was no exception.

The event took place the weekend of December 10 at Urban Outfitters’ headquarters in Philadelphia, and this year the event grew so significantly that two carnival events were held for the children, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, to accommodate all of the additional families included. This year, Operation Brotherly Love served families from the Mayor’s Office of Community Service, PAL (Police Athletic League), Big Brothers, and Big Sisters, and Northern Home.

The smiles from the children, families, and volunteers, show the fun and impact the event has on everyone attending. And do they have fun!  The highlight of the event is a full-blown carnival with all the trimmings! During the event, children are treated to carnival games, balloon artists, face painters, arts and crafts, dancing, entertainers and a family photo station.  Every child receives a brand new gift and a brand new winter coat courtesy of Operation Warm.

Although this is the third large scale event, Adam and a group of close friends started on a much smaller scale, reaching out to shelters, visiting them before the holidays, and bringing gifts, candy and most importantly, giving their time to show someone cared.  Today, the fundamental principle of sharing joy with others and helping those in need is still the foundation of Operation Brotherly Love.  The hundreds of volunteers attending experience that joy first hand, and they realize what a huge impact a little of their time has on the families attending.

This year, hundreds of Wawa family and friends attended and helped in various ways. From preparing and serving lunch, snacks and treats throughout the day – to hosting families and making sure they experience every fun element of the carnival, volunteers make the real magic of this event happen.

So, while the event has grown – doubling in size this year, so has the desire to share joy and inspire others to get involved, volunteer, look around them and see what they can do to have a positive impact within their community. I’m very proud of our Associates and of all the volunteers who make this event possible.

This holiday season, let Operation Brotherly Love inspire you to enact positive change within yourself and within the community.

‘’Till next time…

http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2011/12/08/wawas-operation-brotherly-love/