Volunteers gathered in Pasadena this weekend to help organize gifts for families in need, taking part in a tradition that has been going for nearly 90 years.
Nataly Tavidian of KNX Radio was with them Saturday for a behind-the-scenes look at how holiday magic is made. Festive music was playing in the background.
“We’re going to be hand delivering them, along with a corps of other volunteers,” explained Phil, one of the Operation Santa organizers.
The Pasadena Jaycees’ Operation Santa project has been running since 1934. Thousands of children have benefitted from the project. They write letters to Santa, and the Southern California group basically becomes Santa, wrapping and delivering presents on Christmas Eve.
Children with the greatest needs are given highest priority, and families from all backgrounds and traditions are invited to participate. This year, all children – there are more than 1,000 included – will receive at least one STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) toy.
Visit opsanta.com (http://opsanta.com/) for more details.