OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Creighton Prep students delivered Christmas meals to families across the metro area Saturday morning as part of Operation Others, a tradition that has served the community since 1967.
The program packed about 6,000 meals for 1,400 families this year, the most in the program’s 58-year history.
“It was started by a Jesuit priest here at Creighton Prep, who came back from a successful hunting trip with some extra birds. And he asked the students what they should do and they decided to give them to people around town who could use a good Christmas meal,” said Jerry Kinney, director of operations for Operation Others.
The increased demand comes as families struggle with the impact of the government shutdown and reduced SNAP benefits, organizers said.
“Families are having to make tough decisions between paying rent or buying food, buying medicine or buying food. We’re grateful that we’re able to hopefully make Christmas just a little bit brighter for those families,” Kinney said.
Students began their deliveries before sunrise, working to ensure families received their meals in time for the holiday.
“We’re just giving them a little opportunity to relax and buy those presents for their kids and spend a little extra on whatever. I think that it makes me feel good that I’m helping others with that,” said John Paul Uptmor, a Creighton Prep senior.
The program continues a nearly six-decade tradition of bringing Christmas meals to families who need them most.
—
Get a first alert to breaking news delivered to your inbox. Sign up for First Alert 6 email alerts.
Copyright 2025 WOWT. All rights reserved.
Dining and Cooking