There’s nothing flak about this operation operation

By KATIE SEMINARA

Operation Snowflake spread a blanket of volunteers across Valley hospitals.

YOUNGSTOWN — Jason Axelson, 21, of Canfield sees Janice Allen only once a year — on Christmas Day.

Allen is an information desk receptionist at St. Elizabeth’s Health Center in Youngstown and for the past three year she’s had Axelson for an assistant as part of Operation Snowflake.

Local Jewish service organization, B’nai B’rith, Mahoning Lodge 339, has sponsored the program since the late 1970s. Operation Snowflake enables hospital volunteers to have Christmas Day off, while B’nai B’rith volunteers man the gift shops and information desks at hospitals in the Mahoning Valley.

“I do this once a year; she does this every day,” said Axelson of Allen as they took turns answering incoming phone calls at St. Elizabeth’s on Thursday.

The two were conversing like old friends, even though they see each other but once a year.

“We catch up,” said Axelson, who has volunteered for Operation Snowflake for about six years.

“It gives me something to do on Christmas and I look forward to it each year,” he said of the program.

Since Axelson wasn’t a first-timer at the information desk, he said only a 15-minute refresher course was needed. His duties included answering phone calls, directing visitors and helping those in need of wheelchairs.

“I’m working up to being an expert,” Axelson said of how to unfold a wheelchair. “I’m just a novice.”

The true test of wheelchair work is when a pregnant woman comes in and her water has broken, said Allen.

“Then he’ll have been there,” she said, laughing.

“I’ve never had to experience something like that,” Axelson said with a sense of relief.

“I’d like to see it,” Allen joked.

Conversing and creating memories enhance Operation Snowflake. While others are home celebrating the holiday with family and friends, members of B’nai B’rith are doing the same thing through volunteering.

“It’s an opportunity to share cooperation and giving with our non-Jewish sisters and brothers,” said Neil Altman, program coordinator.

Altman and his wife, Denise, of Youngstown, coordinated Operation Snowflake for the past three years and said this year they had to turn down help from some volunteers.

“We get more volunteers every year,” Denise said.

“They are all really great people and willing to do whatever,” she said of the Christmas Day helpers.

Neil recalled his volunteering as a time to spend with his 21-year-old son, Max.

“It’s a special time for bonding,” he said.

“It’s special for parents who share that time with their children, and the children get the feeling that volunteering is good,” Neil said.

Another father-and-son duo also enjoy Operation Snowflake because it’s an opportunity to spend quality time together.

Arnie Clebone of Liberty and his son, Mac, were working the gift shop at St. Elizabeth’s Health Center on Thursday.

“It’s nice to be with one of the kids,” said Arnie, noting that he and his daughter, Anna, have also volunteered together for the program.

Arnie and Mac were assisting shoppers and creating friendly conversation with each purchase made.

“What’s nice is the people who are here are just happy it’s open,” said Arnie of the hospital visitors’ being surprised that the gift shop was open on Christmas.

But that’s the reason for Operation Snowflake, and Arnie and Mac graciously accepted the “merry Christmas” wishes from their customers, while wishing them a “happy holiday” right back.

“Even though it’s Christmas, the spirit of giving, volunteerism and spending time with family are all universal,” said Mac of the Christmas season being more than just a religious time.