Operation St. Nick Aids 17 Veterans with $42,943 in Assistance

Operation St. Nick’s Christmas in July program has concluded its 15th year, providing essential support to 17 veterans and distributing a total of $42,943 in aid. Over the course of its history, the initiative has assisted 209 veterans, amounting to a remarkable $498,605 in total assistance.

Founded by Joe Schmitz, the program faced a slower start this year but ended on a heartwarming note. Among the wishes fulfilled were the arrangements for one veteran to attend Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day, the installation of new air-conditioning and heating for a family with three children, and financial support to help another veteran, identified as Jerome, pay off his car.

Jerome, an Air Force veteran who served from 1990 to 1998, expressed deep gratitude for the assistance he received. “They gave me money to pay off my car,” he stated. “That gives me extra money, because I don’t have to make my car payment. They helped me with gas. They helped me catch up on a couple of bills.”

Living on social security and facing unemployment for the past two years, Jerome has found financial resources to be a constant concern. He is also awaiting a kidney transplant. “I no longer have to decide between medicine and food,” he shared, noting that the support from Operation St. Nick has eased his burdens significantly. The financial relief has allowed him to enjoy moments with his son, such as being able to buy pizza or a birthday cake.

The roots of Operation St. Nick trace back to Streator, where Schmitz first conceived the idea 40 years ago inspired by his father’s charitable work with the Tavern Keepers League. The program began with food baskets in 1979 and evolved after receiving a $500 contribution to aid a family in need.

Fundraising for the initiative primarily occurs through a live auction hosted by WCSJ-FM. Last year, the organization raised an impressive $236,000 from the auction, which included significant donations of $50,000 and $20,000 from anonymous benefactors.

To qualify for assistance from Operation St. Nick, participants must reside in Grundy County and either currently serve in the military or have been honorably discharged. For those interested in applying, further details can be found online at theheraldnews.secondstreetapp.com/Operation-St-Nick-2025.

This program not only exemplifies community support but also highlights the ongoing commitment to veterans who have served their country.