Dozens of Volunteer Santas to Deliver Toys on Christmas Eve

For the 89th year, the Pasadena Jaycees and dozens of volunteers will be dressing up as Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves on December 24 to deliver toys to children in the community. Children from all over Pasadena have spent the last month writing letters to Santa, and on Christmas Eve, their wishes will come true as Santa teams hand-deliver the gifts they have asked for.

Children with greater needs are given highest priority, and each child will receive a book or STEM-related toy. Additionally, while the Operation Santa project was originally rooted in the Christmas holiday, children from all backgrounds and religions were encouraged to write letters to celebrate the season.

Chairwoman of the Operation Santa Committee, Shawn Sauerwein says: “Op Santa is like the best part of every Christmas movie rolled into one. From the generosity of the donors, the dedication and sleepless nights of the committee, the rockstar Santas and volunteers, and most importantly the joy of the children, it’s an incredible project that involves the whole community. It’s one of the many things that makes Pasadena special and why I’m proud to call it home!”

Those interested in volunteering to deliver toys as part of a Santa team are still able to sign up at opsanta.com. Santas will check in the morning of December 24 at 9am and get their toy delivery routes assigned. They will then be provided dinner at 4pm, followed by Santa training (they have to practice those “ho, ho, hos!”). Then, the teams of Santa get the chance to go out to spread toys and cheer to Pasadena children.

The Pasadena Jaycees are accepting letters to Santa submitted digitally at opsanta.com through December 20.