A SMALL ROOM is full of warm light, and there’s a gentle murmur of conversation, emphasizing the anticipation that rises before a special event. One lively character plays the guitar, the others tell jokes, and an infectious sense of fun radiates through the room. This is a typical scene at an assisted living center, thanks to a local initiative called “Operation Joy.”
Operation Joy began in 2008 with a simple act of kindness when Kimberly King, a local veteran, volunteered to perform Christmas carols at McArthur Manor. The joy it brought to the residents’ faces sparked a fire. As time passed, she expanded her mission and formed a group, spreading cheer to nursing homes and assisted living centers throughout the community. In 2016, Mary Marshall formally named the group “Operation Joy.”
The stars of Operation Joy’s heartwarming shows are as follows: Kimberly King, the founding member; Mary Marshall, a founding member; Linda Rollins; Betty Hamry; Lamar and Donna Wilkie; Jane Martin; Gina Kasper; Martha Cartwright; Karen Claing; Virginia Hooker; and Deborah Duran.
David King, Kimberly’s husband and another co-founder, is a true crowd-pleaser. He transforms into hilarious characters, from the jolly “Bubba Claus” to “Dr. Feelgood,” keeping everyone doubled over with laughter. Other members, like Hamry with her “Biker Gal” persona, add an extra layer of joy to the experience.
Over the past eight years, Operation Joy has grown significantly. The group has welcomed new members — particularly fellow Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) members, who bring their own brand of humor and enthusiasm to the table. The impact of their performances is undeniable.
The group was forced to take a hiatus during the pandemic, but the memories of their lively shows lingered.
Kimberly explained, “We were performing at eight facilities before COVID. All of our performances stopped in the COVID year. We were not allowed into the facilities. We hear from those we performed for — how much they enjoyed our performances. We are always asked to return, and the fun and lively spirit that we have seems infectious to our audience.”
Operation Joy’s performances are a delightful blend of music, comedy, and character impersonations. Kimberly, the commander at VFW Post 10904 and guitarist since her teenage years, reflects on the group’s motivation.
“Singing songs is motivating, and I have seen how it affects folks when we sing upbeat tunes,” she shared.
While the songs are planned, the jokes are spontaneous.
“The others all sing and come up with jokes. We have found it more effective if we all hear the joke for the first time in the shows. It’s all very fun.”
David is especially talented at crafting clever one-liners that perfectly fit the moment. The hour-long show includes around 12 songs, and it wraps up by thanking the residents for spending time with them.
Operation Joy performs an array of crowd-pleasing tunes, like “Chantilly Lace,” “Rocky Top,” and “The Letter.” The song choices are carefully curated to resonate with residents, from cherished classics to top hits, spanning the eras from the ‘20s to the ‘80s. This ensures a nostalgic and uplifting experience. The group’s performances always conclude with the beloved closing anthem, “Happy Trails to You,” leaving audiences with a lasting sense of joy and connection.
“I personally put together the songs for each month’s performance. If there is a holiday that we can honor with a song, we always do that. In July, we sing a patriotic set of songs for the Fourth of July,” Kimberly explained.
Operation Joy isn’t just about captivating audiences; it’s about creating connections. After each performance, the group chats with the residents, thanking them for their smiles. These interactions create a deeper harmony, bringing a sense of community and belonging that transcends the confines of the performance.
The feedback from the assisted living centers is a chorus of appreciation.
“Often, the residents interact with us — especially David, who has such a quick wit,” Kimberly expressed.
Mary Marshall, who introduces each song with interesting tidbits, is sure to let the residents know the performances mean as much to the group as they do to them. Joy emanates from the performers as they watch smiles spread across residents’ faces. This beautiful exchange of happiness is the heart and soul of Operation Joy.
Looking ahead, the group approaches expansion with optimism.
“We don’t want to wear ourselves out, as we did before COVID,” Kimberly explained. “But we will do special shows and events. We have been asked to perform at various events or extra performances for Christmas or special events.”
As residents sing along, the group aspires to continue spreading sunshine, one song, joke, and character at a time — just like the revered and legendary United Service Organizations’ Bob Hope shows. So, the next time you hear a burst of laughter and upbeat tunes emanating from an assisted living center, you might just be witnessing the magic of Operation Joy in action. GN
