A Ministry That Began with a Simple Need

Years ago, I was volunteering at FISH Food Pantry in Carpentersville, Illinois when I noticed something that tugged at my heart. The holidays were approaching, and families were already stretched thin—some unable to afford food, let alone gifts for their children. I saw the stress in their eyes, the quiet disappointment in their voices when they said, “We’re just going to keep it simple this year.”

And that’s when I felt God whisper, “Do something.”

I didn’t have a nonprofit, a big donor list, or a team. I had a burden—and a bold belief that I could make a small difference. So I created Operation Santa.

It started with a few tags on Christmas trees in local businesses—each one marked with a child’s age and gender. Community members could “adopt” a tag, buy a gift, and return it unwrapped. That first year, we helped dozens of families. Now, we’re serving hundreds.

And I’ve come to realize… this isn’t just a holiday program. It’s a ministry.

The Ministry of Showing Up

Not all ministries happen behind pulpits or on stages. Some happen in church basements and grocery store aisles. Some happen with packing tape, plastic bags, and sharpies.

Some happen when you show up—year after year—for people who may never remember your name.

There’s a kind of sacredness in doing the work no one sees. And I believe God honors it.

Operation Santa has taught me that you don’t need a microphone to make an impact. Sometimes, the holiest thing you can do is be available. To say “yes” when there’s no guarantee of recognition or reward. To love people boldly, but quietly.

It’s Not Just About the Gifts

People often think Operation Santa is just about handing out toys. And yes, we give physical gifts. But it’s always been about more than that.

It’s about dignity. About telling a single mom, “You’re not alone this year.”
It’s about giving a child the chance to open something that brings joy, even when life feels heavy.
It’s about planting seeds of hope in homes where struggle is part of the everyday.

When I see a parent cry with gratitude, or a child light up at the sight of their name on a tag, I’m reminded: this is Kingdom work. Even if it doesn’t look like it.

Loving Without a Stage

As someone who also works in the world of acting, I know the pull of performance. The rush of being seen. The applause, the validation, the lights. But Operation Santa has taught me that some of the most powerful performances happen off stage.

Loving people without a platform—when there’s no spotlight—is where real character is built.
It’s easy to be kind when people are watching. But true service happens when no one is clapping.

And let me tell you, organizing hundreds of toy donations, coordinating volunteers, checking lists, dealing with last-minute changes—that’s not glamorous work. But it’s meaningful. Every single time.

Faith in Action

One of my favorite scriptures is James 2:17:
“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

Operation Santa is my faith in action.

It’s not perfect. I’ve cried behind the scenes. I’ve wondered if it’s enough. I’ve worried – I actually never worried if there will be enough toys. Others would doubt and worry and I would say, God will provide. It you are in the will of God and do what he wants you to do, he always provides. I’ve walked with God long enough now to know, I serve a loving and faithful God. Of course every year, God shows up. I love to see the amazement on the faces of those who worried/doubted if there would be enough toys.He multiplies. He fills in the gaps. And He uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

You don’t need to be wealthy. You don’t need to be famous. You just need to be willing.

What I’ve Learned About Purpose

Through Operation Santa, I’ve discovered that purpose isn’t always this loud, dramatic, “aha” moment. Sometimes it’s just the quiet decision to love people well. To show up, serve, and stay the course—even when you’re tired.

And I’ve learned that the most fulfilling roles I’ve ever played didn’t come with a costume or a camera. They came with a heart posture:
“Here I am, Lord. Send me.”

A Note to the Givers

If you’ve ever donated, sponsored a child, handed out food, or prayed over a family—thank you. You’re part of the story. You’ve done more than just give a gift. You’ve reminded someone that they matter.

And if you’ve ever felt like your work goes unseen or uncelebrated, let me encourage you: God sees it. Every act of kindness echoes in eternity. You are making an impact.

The Most Important Work You’ll Ever Do

We live in a world that measures success by what’s visible—likes, followers, awards, applause. But I’ve come to believe that the most important work you’ll ever do is the kind that no one sees.

Loving people quietly, boldly, and without a stage? That’s holy work.

So whether you’re packing Christmas toys or praying for a stranger, don’t underestimate the power of showing up. Don’t overlook the beauty of doing the little things with big love.Because in the end, those are the performances that matter most.