Operation Others Unites Catholic Schools in Service to Community

Care for the poor and vulnerable is a key theme of Catholic Social Teaching, and we as the Church are called to prioritize this need. Operation Others is one way our students and our community are responding to this call to care for the poor.

Operation Others has been an integral part of the holiday season in Omaha since it was founded at Creighton Prep in 1967. By the 1980s, the eight Catholic high schools - Duchesne, Gross, Marian, Mercy, Mount Michael, Roncalli and Skutt -  joined forces to support the effort. 

Today, Operation Others has grown to serve over 1,500 families–an average of 6,000 people. The scale of this endeavor required more logistics and resources; partnerships with Catholic Charities of Omaha, local corporations, and parishes have formed as well.

The backbone of the operation remains rooted in student leadership. Every year, a core team of students meets to organize the action steps for the year. In the fall, the schools involved in Operation Others hold food drives to collect the necessary staples for the food boxes. These boxes typically include apples, oranges, carrots, stuffing, gravy, green beans, milk, bread, potatoes, rice, corn, cereal, turkey and more—providing a crucial source of nourishment for recipients. Marian traditionally provides the jars of peanut butter and jelly. October includes a Trick-or-Treat for canned goods. In November, call-in day opens for those requesting assistance. The weekend before Thanksgiving, a Turkey Drive collects the birds.

By December, the focus turns to the logistics of packing day. In recent years, more than 2,500 boxes of food have been delivered on delivery day just before Christmas.

As this dedicated group continues to work toward its goal, the students remain committed to making a difference—one jar, one box, one turkey and one family at a time. 

At Marian, the whole school becomes involved in supporting Operation Others, says faculty moderator Mark Koesters. "It creates a school-wide awareness of food insecurity in our own community, and this year, the need is greater than ever," said Koesters.

For many, Operation Others is a family holiday tradition. For Marian alumnae and families who would like to support the effort, here are ways to get involved.

Saturday, Nov. 22, Operation Others students will be collecting turkeys. If you’d like to contribute, the drop-off sites are conveniently located at:

• Creighton Prep West Parking Lot | 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Skutt Parking Lot | 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• GolfTEC (362 N. 114, Suite 363) | 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 20, delivery volunteers are needed:

• 8 a.m. Mass in Prep’s Sullivan Center 
• 9 a.m. - 2  p.m. | food deliveries from Prep's west parking lot