Today we’d like to introduce you to TyRon Jackson.
On November 22, 2018, Operation Warm Wishes celebrated ten years of helping and serving the homeless, youth and families in need throughout Tustin, Orange County, and the world; and TyRon Jackson, President, and Founder of Operation Warm Wishes has worked tirelessly to address homelessness in Orange County. A role model in the community, Mr. Jackson is passionate about helping vulnerable populations and is willing to help anyone.
He is the recipient of the Orange County Human Relations Diversity Hero Award; and as a formerly homeless individual, Mr. Jackson understands the struggles surrounding this issue. He created the non-profit organization Operation Warm Wishes to bring help to those in need.
Through the nonprofit, Mr. Jackson he lives out his motto: “Every day is an opportunity to make a difference!”; and under his leadership, Operation Warm Wishes provides free showers, haircuts, makeovers, dinners for students and their families in need, laundry service, book drives, community potlucks, veteran services, transportation for medical care, and overnight beds for families in need of shelter; and Operation Warm Wishes organizes events throughout the year, including Christmas Day breakfast, Thanksgiving dinner in the park, Mother’s Day events for homeless mothers, Fathers’ Day events for homeless fathers, Cut the Hate and Share the Love, Anti-Bullying Night, clothing drives, and Santa Ana Civic Center and Tustin Civic center clean up with the homeless.
Mr. Jackson also organized a 4th of July event to fill two U-Haul trucks with food to feed homeless veterans and families; and one of Mr. Jackson’s accomplishments is the Operation Warm Wishes Standing Reading program, which helps children improve their literacy skills. He also started the Amazing Grocery Food Shopping Spree and the Budgeting Lesson program, which teaches young adults how to properly budget and make the most of their money, giving them skills to care for their families; and Mr. Jackson is an advocate for anti-bullying. He wrote and dedicated a book to children who are bullied and abused. He also implemented the Make It Happen Club in multiple elementary and high schools across Orange and Tustin.
These clubs give students the opportunity to help the homeless, troubled youth, and families in need. The clubs also hold events in conjunction with Operation Warm Wishes throughout the school year.
Has it been a smooth road?
For many years, I didn’t believe in myself because I felt that I was a mistake. I was told that I would never be accepted because of who I am. That caused me to hate myself in many ways. I was homeless for two years while in high school living from one motel to another while being brutally bullied and abused by schoolmates, family and church members. Those struggles caused me to walk away briefly from my dreams because I was so hurt. I would ask me the question, “what the point?”
But it’s when I realized that made me a with purpose and that I’m not a mistake and that He loves me for who I am and where I am in my life that gave me hope, and I wanted to share that same hope with all the word. Now that I look at it, I’m thankful for those struggles and for those difficult times. Those moments have given me the strength and courage to do what I do, and that is to serve those in need regardless of who they are. We all fall down, but it’s the getting back up that matters
I know what it feels like to have plenty and I know what it feels like to have to do shameful things just to earn a few bucks eat dinner. But today I stand with confidence to show people that with hard work and determination you can make it through the fire. Never give up!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Operation Warm Wishes – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Every day since 2008, my days are made up with helping the homeless, families in need, youth, and veterans. I provide free showers, haircuts, makeovers, dinners for students and their families in need, laundry service, book drives, community potlucks, Veterans Services, takes the sick to the hospital, and opens his home for families to sleep when they are in need of shelter.
In addition, I works with local motels to help the homeless and struggling families, local businesses to help serve those in need, and with at-risk students to make ensure they stay on the right track and have successful futures.
Some of the monthly events that Operation Warm Wishes have put on include Christmas Day breakfast, Thanksgiving dinner in the park, Mother’s Day events for homeless mothers, Fathers’ Day events for homeless fathers, Cut the Hate and Share the Love, anti-bullying Night, clothing drives, food shopping sprees, and Santa Ana Civic Center clean up with the homeless.
I organized a 4th of July event and filled U-Haul trucks with food to feed veterans, homeless and families in need— just to name a few. As a motivational speaker, I have spoken to many schools, churches, and organizations, sharing my story and passion for serving and helping those in need.
For me it’s more than food, haircuts, showers and providing clothing; it’s the opportunity to serve and provide hope for all. I have a passion for giving and making a difference. I’m an advocate for our homeless, a hero, mentor and role model for our youth, and an example of that with hard work and determination you can make it.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I was born in Los Angeles, Moved to long beach in second grade then moved to the city of Tustin in Orange County when I was in fourth grade, and I have lived here ever since. I love my city! I love the city of Tustin because it’s a city where people can rise and thrive!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.OperationWarmWishes.com
- Phone: 7143636621
- Email: tyronmania@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/tyronjackson1
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/TyRonManiaShow
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/TyRonJackson
Image Credit:
John McGuire, Orange County Register
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