FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE)— Operation Santa Dears is kicking it into high gear as Christmas approaches. They are a charity organization that began in 2021 with just one organizer, Tera Elliott. That year Operation Santa Dear helped eight families and collected $650. That money is used by Elliott to shop for the families, giving them gifts and food for Christmas. The operation has grown every year since. Now there are two additional board members. This Christmas they are giving to 80 children, with a fundraising goal of $3,200. They are close to that goal and have upcoming events where the public can help them meet it. Upcoming events: 11/30: Toy drive at The Local Archive (118 W Columbia St Suite 201, Fort Wayne, IN) Now-12/9: Toy drive at Lone Star Auto (2503 Calhoun St, Fort Wayne, IN) Now-12/12: Book Drive at 2Toms Brewing Co. (3676 N Wells St, Fort Wayne, IN) Now-12/12: Hygiene product drive at Fort Wayne Turners (3636 Parnell Ave, Fort Wayne, IN) In addition to the above events, there are boxes to make monetary donations at: Deer Park Irish Pub The Green Frog Inn 2Toms Brewing Co. Dot & Line Brewing Co. Fort Wayne Turners Hall's Gas House Lone Star Auto There is a Wrapping Party for the gifts that will be distributed at 2Toms Brewing Co. with a raffle giveaway. "When I was younger, I was raised by Granny," Elliott said. "Those in the community helped us and made sure that we had a fantastic Christmas every single year." She said she wanted to pay that forward and do it for others that are in the same situation now.