Hello Friends of Operation HOPE–North County,
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Vickie Lancaster, one of Operation HOPE-North County’s most dedicated volunteers and a passionate advocate for our mission.
From the time that Vickie was introduced to our organization in 2013, she volunteered with a vivacious spirit and bright light of compassion. Over the past 12 years, adults and children in our program, staff, fellow volunteers, and community partners have been touched by her indomitable spirit. She encouraged us to collaborate with her to ensure that resources of food, clothing, and other essential supplies were provided, and that the boutique, kitchen, pantry, and other areas of our campus were tidy, organized, and clean, thereby providing dignified services to everyone.
She shared from her heart by encouraging our parents and single women to keep believing in themselves, because she believed in them. And she knew how to make the children and youth feel special in the most amazing ways — by sharing items found in the pantry or toy room and engaging with them so lovingly.
Vickie never knew a stranger on the grounds of Operation HOPE-North County. She greeted each person and found ways to maximize our resources through her relationships with others in our community.
A story shared by Vickie often included her family and the fun times they shared. She cherished every family member and delighted in their accomplishments. And all of us at OHNC became her “second family” as she looked after us in her own special way.
Throughout the years, Vickie has received the accolade of “Volunteer of the Year” several times, as she has been acknowledged for her dedication and love of our mission. Her generosity was always a part of her volunteer work — whether she was doing the giving herself or asking others to do so.
We grieve the loss of our friend and colleague, but we celebrate all that we have gained from knowing her. Her legacy of love will stay in our hearts forever.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 18th at 2:00 p.m. For more details, please get in touch with Evelyn Flores at eflores@operationhopeshelter.org.
Her family respectfully requests that this information NOT be shared via social media. We appreciate your cooperation in advance.
Together in sympathy,
Operation HOPE–North County
🌐 www.operationhopeshelter.org
