When six-year-old Brett McMahon brought home a flyer from school asking for donations for Operation Santa, he wasn’t quite sure what the organization did. Four years later, this determined boy could just about serve as its spokesperson.
When the notice came home in Brent’s backpack, his aunt, Debbie Lampert, explained that Operation Santa was a group that worked to send Christmas stockings to soldiers serving overseas during the holidays. She went on to describe the sacrifices our soldiers go through to protect us from harm. Her words prompted Brett to respond.
“I felt bad that our soldiers didn’t always get something for Christmas,” he said, “so I wanted to help.” And help he did—the first year Brett collected over 3,000 items for Operation Santa, everything from toothbrushes, shampoo and batteries, to gum, beef jerky and socks. What’s more, he has doubled his yearly goal every year since then, collecting 6,000 items in 2010, 12,000 in 2011 and 26,000 this past year.
Alongside his aunt, Brett works year-round asking for donations from local business and hotels, plus going door-to-door throughout area neighborhoods. His passion and dedication seem boundless. “Whether its one toothbrush or one case, Brett’s reaction is the same,” said his aunt. “His face just lights up!” The pair use their staircase at home as a “thermometer” for their progress. “How far are we to our goal depends on how far up the bags go,” she continued with a smile.
Operation Santa became especially personal two summers ago when Brett’s baseball coach—along with 100 other local service men and women—was sent to Afghanistan. When Brett found out, he and his aunt worked diligently to get the deployment location and pack and ship stockings so they would arrive in time for Christmas. Afterwards, they received emails and photos, and were able to directly speak with individuals who received these exact stockings. The experience really brought things home.
How does Brett feel about being a Heartland Hero? “I can’t believe it,” the ten-year-old stated, “but it makes me feel good. I mean, I didn’t expect it when I started out. I just did what’s right.” His aunt is unabashedly proud. “Brett just cares so much,” she said, “and doesn’t give up. He could be out there riding bikes or playing or whatever, and he gives some of that up. His dedication…that’s what makes him a hero I think. It’s inspiring and tiring,” she jokes, “but it’s contagious!”
Photo courtesy of Spirit Photography and video courtesy of Tim Sotter Productions.
