As the year draws to a close, we're not just celebrating our achievements; we're planting the seeds for an even brighter future. We are thrilled to launch our 2025 End of the Year Fundraising Campaign, 'Rooted in Success,' a critical initiative to sustain and expand the vital programs that empower our community members every single day.

Why 'Rooted in Success'? The Urgent Need for Transportation

The name 'Rooted in Success' speaks to the very core of our mission: providing the stable foundation—the "roots"—that allows our participants to truly thrive.

This year, however, we face a significant and heartbreaking barrier: transportation.

We have many students who qualify and desperately want to attend our essential after-school programs, but simply cannot get home afterward. A lack of reliable transport prevents these young people from accessing mentorship, resources, and educational support.

Your support directly addresses this urgent need:

• New Vehicles for Student Transport: Your donations will be used to purchase and maintain new vehicles, allowing us to expand our transportation routes and safely get more students home after the program ends.
• Essential Program Resources: Beyond vehicles, you help us provide the materials and equipment necessary for high-quality instruction.

Simply put, when you remove the transportation barrier, the stronger our roots—and the taller our students' success can grow.

Two Ways to Help Our Campaign Blossom

We've made it easier than ever to contribute, whether you donate in person and join the friendly site competition, or donate online and send a thoughtful gift.

1. The In-Person Challenge: The "Leaf on the Tree" Competition

This year, we're introducing a fun and competitive element to our campaign! All seven of our sites are competing to see which can collect the most donations and fill their fundraising tree with the most leaves.

When parents, caregivers, friends, or family members of our students—or any supporter—make a donation at one of our locations, you'll receive a special "leaf", designed by our students, to personally sign and place on the display tree at that site.

The Stakes: The site with the most leaves by the end of the year wins the ultimate bragging rights, and possibly even a pizza dinner to celebrate their success!

How to Give and Get a Leaf:

• Visit Any of Our Seven Sites: Simply stop by your student's program site during operating hours.
• Donate at the Winter Showcases: We will have dedicated donation stations at all Winter Showcase events.

Your donation, big or small, gets a leaf on the tree and fuels your site's push to the top!

2. Donate Online & Send a Meaningful Holiday Honor Card 

Are you ready to donate right now? Our secure online portal is open 24/7 for the 'Rooted in Success' campaign.

Click Here to Make an Online Donation: https://operationxcel.org/end-of-year-giving-2025/

Holiday Honor Cards: The Gift of Honor

Want to give online and send a meaningful gift? Our Holiday Honor Cards are perfect!

• How It Works: Make a donation of $5.00 or more online, and you'll have the option to receive a unique, student-designed holiday card.
• The Gift of Honor: You select a person you wish to honor with your gift.
• Delivery: We will mail the student-designed card and a blank envelope directly to you. You can then personally deliver or mail the card to your honoree, letting them know a donation was made in their name.

Join Us in Planting the Seeds of Success

The 'Rooted in Success' campaign runs now through December 31st. Help us ensure that a lack of transportation never prevents a student from attending our life-changing programs. By funding new vehicles, you're not just donating; you're handing a student the key to opportunity.

Donate today, share this campaign with a friend, and let the Leaf on the Tree competition begin!

P.S. Whether you're placing a leaf on a tree or sending a beautiful honor card, every dollar helps us build a stronger foundation for our students' success.