Merry Christmas!
Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Operation Photo Rescue embodies the spirit of Christmas all year round. This past year has been amazing in what OPR has accomplished. We had three copy runs: Galveston, TX, Cedar Rapids, IA, and Austell, GA. All of these runs were funded by OPR volunteers and families whose photos we restored. When the letter went out asking for help, you responded immediately. Donations poured in from $2 to $1,000 and all of this during a bleak economy.
Others responded by helping on copy runs or restoring photos for the families. As new members signed on, a common thread as to why they wanted to join emerged—a desire to help others and wanting to use their skills for something worthwhile.
OPR owes so much to our sponsors: PhotoShelter and DigMyPics. It was great that this year I had had the chance to meet Scott Crossen, (co-owner DigMyPics) and his family: Annette, Corey, and Christine. You guys are wonderful!
Sometimes a special gift comes along that keeps on giving way past what you ever hoped for. That gift came from Jim Gage, The Weather Channel, and the video that aired on multiple times and days. Jim felt so strongly about what Operation Photo Rescue was doing that he made an exception by giving us a copy of the video. That video that appears on OPR’s website has touched so many. After an OPR member showed the video to a close friend, that friend was so moved that she promised a check in the mail for OPR. The check arrived a couple of weeks ago made out for the amount of $5,000.
In Galveston, we will always value the friendship of Brian Davis and Jami Durham of the Galveston Historical Foundation. Every copy run is special, but this was one that I will never forget. Brian, offering to let us stay at the Menard House was a highlight of the trip! It was special to know that OPR could help in restoring priceless historical photos that had been damaged by Hurricane Ike. Early this week, I received this email from Jami:
“This is just wonderful. Words are not able to express my gratitude to you, to Jan and to the entire team at Operation Photo Rescue. You all restored so much more than photos. You will all hold a very special place in my heart forever. I can’t wait to see the photos and do hope they arrive before Christmas, but if they don’t, I have a wonderful surprise to take my mom early in the New Year! Thank you again, so very much. I wish you all the most wonderful holiday season ever! I’ll look forward to seeing you soon in Galveston, where I can give you a great big hug!”
This last year could not have happened without the inner team’s support: Dave, Angela, Jan, Hannie, Tess, Kiska, Becky, and John. Thanks so much for all that you do!
In closing I would like to wish you all a wonderful holiday season and thanks for all that you have given. For some I know this season is hard, because of your loss. George Hoover and David Davies our hearts are with you. Ray Norman, we will miss you Mate!
Margie Hayes
