Contact: Jim Brandt, 760-855-3905; www.VernaLinzey.com

ANAHEIM, Calif., Jan. 31, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- On December 21, 2013, Operation Freedom conducted its annual Christmas outreach to destitute American children, reaching about 500 children. It was held at Twila Reid Park, Anaheim, California. The program began at 1:00 in the afternoon and ended at 6:00 in the evening. The program was spearheaded by Dan and Danielle Ramirez who have been the Orange County Regional directors of Operation Freedom since 2005. The featured speaker was Dr. Verna Linzey who is the founding vice president of Operation Freedom.

Photo: Denielle Ramirez (coordinator), Verna Linzey speaking, and Jim Linzey.

Dr. Linzey brought great words of comfort to the children and their parents as hundreds of Christmas gifts and several tons of food were distributed, all of which was donated by restaurants and major retail outlets. A dentist voluntarily gave children oral examinations. Volunteers dressed up as cartoon characters interacted with the children. Santa Clause (Dan Ramirez) was present to bring the joy of the Lord to the children. Military veterans volunteered to serve food alongside their civilian counterparts.

Also speaking was the International Director of Operation Freedom, Retired Major Jim Linzey, the son of Verna Linzey, and who was honored with a plaque for having directed Operation Freedom for ten years with tremendous impact on military personnel, destitute children, and impoverished Americans of all ethnic backgrounds with humanitarian assistance, including medical supplies, school supplies, and food, and most importantly with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Operation Freedom has conducted humanitarian relief missions on the border to include illegal aliens, at community centers, rehabilitation homes, and feeding programs at parks; Operation Freedom has also provided solid Bible teaching on radio throughout North America, Central America, South America, and on television throughout Europe, the United States, and the Philippines.

Verna Linzey extends her efforts to reach destitute children through the Verna Linzey Child Care Ministry, International (a 501C(3) based in the Philippines), which is under the direction of Rev. Joel Tejedo.

The directors of Operation Freedom wish to thank many churches of Orange County, the Orange County Food Bank, military veterans, and civilian volunteers for making this event possible. Operation Freedom is a 501C(3) private, non-profit organization, operating solely through the work of volunteers and donations. For more information, contact Operation Freedom at (760) 855-3905.