(Clarinda, IA) – Page County Sheriff Charles McCalla, today (Thursday), said his office has officially kicked-off its annual “Operation Blessing” program, which continues a tradition that has brought Christmas joy to local children for more than four decades. Requests for gifts are being accepted now through December 12, 2025. Sheriff McCalla said that should all requests for gifts to be filled and distribute in-time for Christmas.

McCalla says Operation Blessing started in the mid-1980s as an initiative of the Page County Reserve Program, with the goal of making sure every child in rural Page County had an opportunity to receive a gift for Christmas. The program has continued every year since, for over 40 years, adapts to the times and according to 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, by either 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 which the program would not be able to continue. The Sheriff said also,“We thank everyone who contributes to making this a success each year. May everyone have a joy-filled and safe holiday season.”