Tackling Hunger In Omaha: Operation Others Unites Catholic Schools

Story by Lucia Ambrose '25

In America, 49 million people face food insecurity, including one in five children. Right here in Omaha, Operation Others, a student-led initiative founded by Creighton Prep’s Fr. Daniel Kennedy in 1967, has been making a powerful impact for decades. 

Initially established as a Creighton Prep service organization, the program expanded in the 1980s to include students from Marian, Mercy, Duchesne, Gross, Roncalli and Mount Michael, with Skutt Catholic joining in the 1990s. 

Today, this collaborative force fights hunger and raises awareness about food scarcity across the Omaha area.

Operation Others’ mission centers on assembling food boxes packed with essential items to support families in need. 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. 

This year, the Marian community set an ambitious goal: collecting 1,700 plastic jars of peanut butter and jelly between Oct. 16 and Nov. 21. The stakes were high, with students eager to earn a day off school if the goal was met.

The drive is part of a broader effort, uniting all participating schools. Leading this charge at Marian are core team members juniors Helen Christen and Samantha Van Moorleghem, and seniors Martha Chapman, Mackenzie Reidy and Shelby Woodard. These leaders work hand-in-hand with their peers from other schools, coordinating meetings, planning events and overseeing the critical logistics of delivery week.

“It makes me feel proud that the Catholic schools of Omaha work together to accomplish such important work,” Reidy said. “It is incredible to see people who may not even know each other come together as one for a common goal of doing good.”

Although the goal of 1,700 jars is daunting, Chapman found motivation in the dedication of the community. “I feel proud that we are making a difference, and I’m inspired by the level of participation we have here at Marian,” Chapman said.

The effort began as early as the start of the school year, with successful initiatives like trick-or-treating for canned goods paving the way. For Van Moorleghem, the highlight comes on delivery day. “Watching everything come together is amazing. My favorite part is seeing the recipients’ faces light up with pure joy when they see the abundance of food we’ve brought,” she said.

Theology teacher Mr. Mark Koesters has been in charge of the Marian drive for 20 years. “I feel superb about this year. This is the first time in all my years that we as a school hit the goal with two days of time to spare. I am thrilled and impressed by the work of our team,” Koesters said. 

The total amount collected by Marian students was 1,905 jars. Reidy attributes a lot of the drive’s success to Koesters’ talent at making it fun to be a part of. “He is constantly sending humorous emails trying to keep girls motivated and involved,” Reidy said.

Operation Others exemplifies the power of youth and community, showing how unity can create a meaningful impact. 

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