Operation Sunshine
Bringing Sunshine to Girls in Greenville
The Operation Sunshine girls and staff were happy to pose for a group photo with their TowneBank visitors during Day of Caring. In 1968, Church Women United of Greenville formed Operation Sunshine so girls from age 5 to 13 would have something positive to do during the summer months. The Church Women United members wanted to ensure that these young ladies stayed in school. Over the years, Operation Sunshine evolved from a summer program to also offer after-school activities during the school year.
Operation Sunshine focuses on exposing girls to new and innovative education programs that help put them on the road to success. Today they continue to reach out to girls of all social and economic backgrounds in Pitt County.
Some of the services the organization offers are:
- Academic support - homework help and tutoring
- Mentorship - community volunteers offer their skills
- Health and wellness - fitness classes, healthy eating
- The Arts - music, piano lessons, crafts
- STEM classes - held at the new technology center
- Self-esteem and character development
- Enrichment through a variety of indoor and outdoor activities
Veronica Stokes, executive director, retired after 30-plus years as a teacher in the Pitt County School system. “At this stage in my life, I thought I would be sitting in a rocking chair on my front porch, but then I was asked to direct Operation Sunshine and I have been here ever since,” Veronica says.
As a young girl, Veronica took part in the Operation Sunshine summer program. “Now I’m back paying it forward!” she says. “I didn’t have to think twice because my love and passion is working with girls.”
Operation Sunshine provides after-school and summer activities for girls in Greenville, including STEM classes in the technology center. TowneBank Greenville chose Operation Sunshine for their Day of Caring location. Glenn Marsh, Greenville branch manager, explains, “Katherine Thomas and I went to visit Operation Sunshine to talk about Day of Caring. They were super excited to hear we had chosen them.”
While he was at Operation Sunshine, Glenn noticed several water stains in the ceiling coming from roof leaks. “I asked Veronica about the leaks, and she told me they didn’t have enough funds to repair the roof.” As Glenn and Katherine were returning to their office, they agreed they had to find a way to help get the roof fixed. “I knew this would take a general contractor who was willing to handle this at their cost.” Glenn and Katrina Rheinfrank reached out to Gordon Bridgers and Walt Dunn of Coastal Building Solutions who immediately said they would love to help.
The TowneBank Greenville family visited Operation Sunshine as part of United Way Day of Caring to help the girls with homework and enjoy some fun time. “Walt came into our office, and we called Veronica to tell her the news that the roof would soon be fixed,” Glenn continues. “To say she was excited is an understatement! What a proud and humbling experience this was for all of us.”
Veronica reached out to Glenn the next day via email and said, “It truly has taken me from your call yesterday until this morning to process our conversation. I am still very much in shock. No one has ever done something of this magnitude for me. While I realize that this blessing is not for me personally, Operation Sunshine is a huge part of me. What you are doing for these girls shows who you are and your love for the community. When someone does something nice for you, the least you can do is say, “thank you.” But thank you does not seem to be enough. Words just can’t express my gratitude. Mr. Marsh, just know you, your bank, and the construction team who will be doing the work have touched my heart deeply!”
On the Day of Caring in September, a group of TowneBank employees gathered at Operation Sunshine to help with homework and spend time with the girls. They then hosted the girls the next day for a field trip to TowneBank.
Operation Sunshine can always use help with volunteers for their wide range of programs. For more information, visit OperationSunshineNC.org.