Pasadena Children Anticipate Visits from Santa This Christmas Eve

Since 1934, through their Operation Santa project, the Pasadena Junior Chamber of Commerce (“Jaycees”) have brought toys, cheer and a visit from Santa Claus to tens of thousands of children in the Pasadena area. While the past two years required a modified version of the project, this year, volunteers dressed as Santa will be back to hand delivering toys to children in the area.

Children in Pasadena can write letters to “Santa,” and a team of volunteers will read and record it. A few years ago, Santa also added a digital component to his list–children can also submit toy requests online at opsanta.com.

Toys are donated and purchased to best meet the requests of each individual child. Children with greater needs will be given highest priority. The Jaycees will be focusing on distributing books and STEM-related toys as much as possible.

While the Operation Santa project was originally rooted in the Christmas holiday, children from all backgrounds and religions are encouraged to write letters to celebrate the season.

The Jaycees are currently seeking teams of Santas, Mrs. Clauses, and elves from volunteers in the community and Jaycee members. On December 24, approximately 40 Santa teams will hand deliver the collected toys to each child who wrote a letter. Those interested in donating toys or volunteering as part of a Santa team can find more information at opsanta.com.

The Pasadena Jaycees will be accepting letters to Santa on opsanta.com until December 20. Digital submission is recommended, but mailed letters are also accepted. Letters to Santa should be legibly written by the child in their own words. The letter must include the child’s name, age and address. A letter template is available at opsanta.com. Letters can be submitted at opsanta.com or sent via mail to:

Santa Claus
474 W. Walnut St.
Pasadena, CA 91103

The Pasadena Jaycees began in 1929 and have been a volunteer and leadership training organization for people aged 21 to 40 ever since. For more information about joining or about any of the Jaycees’ projects, please visit www.pasadenajaycees.org or email info@pasadenajaycees.org.