Operation Noel: A Tradition of Warmth Since 1939

Operation Noel began in 1939 when Ruth Pooley, wife of the Herald Post editor, saw the need to provide warm clothing for young girls. What started as a simple dress drive has grown into a cherished holiday tradition, serving thousands of children in El Paso and Ciudad Juárez.

By the 1980s, the program expanded to provide new, high-quality coats for both boys and girls, working with local apparel companies and schools to ensure every child received the right size. In 2023, Operation Noel became a charitable fund within the Paso del Norte Community Foundation, securing its sustainability while continuing to equip children with coats and support local nonprofits.

Last year, generous donors helped provide 1,200 children with warm winter coats. This year, the need is greater — our goal is to deliver 3,750 coats across the region. With your support, we can order early, secure better pricing, and ensure every coat reaches a child before the cold arrives.

👉 Make your gift today and help ensure no child in our community is left out in the cold.