If we'd make one stack with all the books we've received for our Operation Santa Claus campaign this year, Jack wouldn't need a beanstalk to reach the clouds. Thousands of books poured into the Tribune-Review from generous readers. The books are destined to be included in the packages delivered to needy children throughout the region. On Sunday, volunteers from the community and the Tribune-Review descended on the Trib's packaging department for the final sorting of the books donated to Operation Santa Claus. In all, 9,200 books donated by readers will be sent to area children via Operation Santa Claus. Books were reviewed to ensure they were in good condition and appropriate for children served by the holiday campaign. More than 9,000 stockings are headed to children this Christmas and, in addition to sweets and treats, each includes crayons and coloring books. Parents will be able to select a donated book for their children. Meanwhile, students at Hutchinson Elementary School, in Greensburg, part of the Greensburg Salem School District, wanted to go an extra step for the children who benefit from Operation Santa Claus. They collected more than 800 books but wanted to add a personal touch, so the students put their creative talents to work designing and making personalized bookmarks. This year, Operation Santa Claus will provide Christmas dinner to 7,415 families in Westmoreland, Fayette, Somerset, Indiana, Armstrong and Allegheny counties. Recipients are determined by the Salvation Army. In order to do that, we need your help to raise the $140,000 we need to pay for this hearty meal. It's easy to donate: There's a convenient coupon published every day, along with a short story about one of the campaign's recipients. And if you're in a Shop 'n Save store between now and Jan. 11, you can sign an Operation Santa Claus cutout in exchange for a donation. Shop 'n Save is providing the groceries again this year. Each bag contains the fixings for a complete holiday meal, including a gift certificate valued at $10 for a meat item of the family's choice. Also on the menu: scalloped potatoes, stuffing, green beans, whole kernel corn, fruit-flavored gelatin, fruit cocktail, applesauce, blueberry muffins, snack crackers, holiday cookies and hot cocoa.

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