Santa, Guard bring holiday spirit to St. Paul

Santa, Mrs. Claus and 4-year-old Ethan Lestenkof-Mandregan pose in front of an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at St. Paul after Santa lands and greets the community as part of the 54th Annual Operation Santa Claus Nov. 6. Ethan was the first child to run to Santa. (Alaska Army National Guard photo/Pfc. Karina Paraoan)

Santa, Guard bring holiday spirit to St. Paul

(Left to right) Guardsmen Col. Andy Mamrol and Brig. Gen. Randy J. Banez prepare sundaes to give to the residents of St. Paul during Operation Santa Claus Nov. 6. The sundaes were provided by Rich Owens, owner of Tastee Freez, a local family-owned eatery in Anchorage. (Alaska Army National Guard photo/Pfc. Karina Paraoan)

Santa, Guard bring holiday spirit to St. Paul

Published Nov. 17, 2010
By Pfc. Karina Paraoan
134th Public Affairs Detachment

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Flying in an Air Force C-17 cargo jet instead of a sleigh and reindeer, Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and Santa's little helpers arrived in St. Paul Nov. 6 as part of Operation Santa Claus.

The Alaska National Guard and volunteer members from organizations such as the Salvation Army, Tastee Freez, Sadler's Home Furnishings and Costco teamed together and kicked off this year's 54th Annual Operation Santa Claus, a yearly community relations and support program that provides toys, clothing, books, school supplies, fresh fruit and sundaes to children in communities across the state each year.

"This was the first time I brought my family to Operation Santa Claus and it was very exciting," said Fannie Galanin, St. Paul resident. "My grandson is a great believer in Santa and it was very nice for everyone to put this together because I know he especially had a lot of fun."

The event took place in St. Paul's city hall where the Alaska Guard members and volunteers set up tables for warm food, books and ice cream sundaes. Each child received a wrapped Christmas present from Santa and a goody bag filled with fresh fruit, little toys and cupcakes.

"I have been volunteering for 20 years now and I think this event is great," said Rick Renaud. "I still find it challenging to wrap the basketballs for children, but it's all worth it in the end."

This year Operation Santa Claus will also visit Kokhanok, White Mountain, Little Diomede, Tanana, Pilot Station, Hoonah and Holy Cross.