Operation Santa: Sam’s Soldiers Spreads Holiday Cheer Abroad

West Nyack teen Trey Rolnick has a big heart. Such a big heart, in fact, that it stretches all the way from Rockland County to Italy, where his older sister Sam Rolnick has served in the U.S. Army since 2019.

While the distance is difficult, Trey shared that it has helped develop their friendship in a new way. “I truly cherish every conversation that I have with her, and I take advantage of all the time that I have that she is able to speak to me. And that’s something that can be so easily neglected for your typical friends and family.”

With the prevalence of social media, location sharing and Facetime, it is easy to take access to loved ones for granted.

During their conversations, Trey’s sister would detail the preparation and training she was undertaking on a daily basis. This up close and personal look at the sacrifices of a soldier hit home for Trey – and sparked an idea for the then thirteen year old.

Trey began collecting donations andputting together holiday care packages for the soldiers overseas to bring them joy when apart from their families, but also “…for Sam and all of the soldiers to feel that love, that care, and the gratitude from myself and the community,” stated Trey.

These hand-packed care packages consist of what many may think of as everyday items, such as coffee, travel mugs, and blankets, “Things that we don’t typically think ‘wow’,” said Trey. “These are big things that help these soldiers…That’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned, is to take nothing for granted and to truly appreciate all the blessings that I’ve been given.”

Throughout the year, Trey and his family receive letters from the recipients of the Operation Santa: Sam’s Soldiers sharing the soldiers’ appreciation for the packages. One of the items that has received the biggest reaction, Trey shared, are the waterproof socks sent every year. “In these letters, they tell me how big of an impact [the socks] have.” Trey shared that these weatherproof socks
help to protect the health and wellbeing of soldiers who are in extreme weather conditions, and are hugely appreciated.

Trey and the rest of the Rolnick family try to send these packages out to as many different units as possible, to ensure that a maximum number of troops are able to receive these physical symbols of home, love and support.

While Trey was the originator of Operation Santa:Sam’s Soldiers, he stated it would never have been possible without the immense support of his family. Trey has quite a full plate; beyond his academic requirements, he balances involvement with sports, extracurriculars, his service as a junior Executive Board Member for Covenant House and his work with Heritage of West Nyack, amongst his other responsibilities. Trey expressed gratitude for his parents and siblings willingness to always jump in and help. Whether it’s prepping packages, communicating with the soldiers or handling shipping, Trey made it clear that this is in no way a one man operation.

Through social media outreach, his school, and family and friends Trey has been able to raise a total of $125,000 and has brought a spark of holiday joy to over 1,500 soldiers.

“Operation Santa: Sam’s Soldiers has helped me embrace opportunities more, and has taught me what it means to be a leader and help my community however
possible,” shared Trey.

Trey began Operation Santa: Sam’s Soldiers when he was just 13 years old. He told the RCT that when he first started, he was nervous that no one would take a kid’s big idea seriously. Now, he can’t believe he ever doubted his dream. To other young people with a dream, Trey encourages them to “just go for it. If you have a passion, embrace that. Spread the word and stand up for what you believe in, and don’t let anyone try to bring you down… If you’re feeling nervous about your classmates, that should be the last thing on your mind. Ultimately, they can laugh at you all they want, but who isn’t going to be laughing at you are the people that you are helping – and those are the people that matter the most.”

As Trey heads off for his next adventure of higher education, he hopes to expand his overall mission of helping others. While he wants to grow Operation Santa:Sam’s Soldiers, Trey also spoke of a passion for helping homeless veterans, and he hopes to establish even more connections through his education to help homeless vets.

“What I love the most about Rockland County is that we stand up for one other and we’re always willing to support each other however possible.”

Those who would like to show their support for Operation Santa: Sam’s Soldiers can click this link to help Trey and the Rolnick Family reach their goal of $25,000.