St. Mary's prepping for 'Operation Santa'

PHOENIX - St. Mary's Food Bank in Phoenix can use your help as they gear up for Operation Santa .

The program collects your donations and distributes them over the holidays, helping thousands of people around the Valley.

"I would not be able to buy [certain foods]," said Kim Nelson, a mother of three who came to St. Mary's after her husband was laid off.

St. Mary's Food Bank is in its 45th year and helps connect families with fresh food year-round, but especially during the holidays.

"Maybe for that one day a year, Thanksgiving or Christmas, it's just like it always had been before," said Jerry Brown with the food bank.

Brown said Operation Santa is key in helping build up their donations around the holiday, and this year is no exception.

"The need is the highest point we've ever seen it," Brown said.

Whatever your donation might be, it's never too small.

"For every dollar we receive at the food bank, we can deliver the equivalent of seven meals," Brown said.

Nelson is just one Valley woman who's been helped by St. Mary's over the years, and your contributions nearly brought her to tears.

"Thank you for everyone in the world who donates," she said. "Thank you."