MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Two locals are launching Operation Christmas Angels in North Carolina, and the goal is to collect Christmas gifts to deliver to storm victims in the disaster area.

“Actually, when we were leaving to go back to Mobile, we looked at each other and said that was just a drop in the bucket of what they needed,” Jamee Booth said. “And I said, ‘Christmas is coming.’ They don’t have to worry about how they’re going to give Christmas to their kids.”

It’s been nearly two months since Helene hit North Carolina, and Jamee Booth and Jason Pugh of Mobile haven’t forgotten the people who lost jobs, homes and belongings in the disaster.

Booth said their new mission is to bring Christmas to the families most affected, and they call that mission Operation North Carolina Christmas Angels.

“I feel like they’ve been forgotten,” she said. “If we could just take Christmas off their plate and not make them worry about it, because they have to use whatever resources they have to make repairs to their home, to make it livable. “

Booth said that after contacting some North Carolina schools, he received wish lists from children in the areas hardest hit by Helene.

She explained how these lists include practical items like clothing, but also include wishes for things like action figures, board games and dolls.

She said one item in particular stood out on the 16-year-old’s wish list.

“He made the soccer team, but he’s out of cleats,” she said. “There was one that really impressed me. I thought we had to take the baby’s boots.”

Allison Phillips is a school counselor in a district hard hit by Helene in North Carolina.

She shared how this Christmas surgery could change a student’s life.

“You don’t necessarily realize when you’re little, elementary school age and younger, if your parents are struggling or not,” Phillips said. “In high school, most kids are pretty aware. You know, so they’re probably planning on not getting much for Christmas domestically, you know, that might be something that’s just an opportunity to be a bright spot in a really dark time.”

Booth said her goal is to have all the gifts collected no later than Dec. 12 so she can deliver them before Christmas.

If you are interested in adopting a child or family or simply donating to Operation North Carolina Christmas Angels, you can contact Booth at 251-402-3499 to learn more.

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