Operation Santa Claus is coming to town!

The 2006 Operation Santa Claus and Senior Santa & Friends annual gift drive begins today, November 27th and will continue through December 21st. You, your family, and friends are invited to get involved this holiday season by reaching out to less fortunate members of our community. The County of Orange Operation Santa Claus program provides gifts and toys to children in foster care, group homes, or in transition who are abused, neglected, physically or mentally challenged, or homeless in Orange County. Disadvantaged families and impoverished seniors are also assisted through this program.

To participate through Orange County Public Library, simply visit one of our branches to select a gift suggestion tag off the Operation Santa Claus Angel Tree and return with an unwrapped present to help fulfill holiday wishes for needy children, the frail elderly, and disabled adults served by the County of Orange Social Services Agency, Health Care Agency, Probation Department, Child Support Services, and Housing and Community Services.

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This is the only official County holiday toy drive and represents a collaborative effort of County of Orange employees, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Orange County Fire Authority's Spark of Love, and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots. Churches, businesses, and schools in the community also play an important role in the success of collecting toys.

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The Operation Santa Claus program is coordinated and maintained by the Social Services Agency, with support from community volunteers. Over 350 volunteers from County agencies and the community have been the backbone of Operation Santa Claus since its inception.

The Operation Santa Claus program began as a small attempt to meet the needs of a handful of children in 1962 and today has expanded into a major event for the community.

Last year in Orange County, more than 52,000 toys were distributed to underprivileged youth, and 1,337 gifts were provided to elderly and disabled adults.

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With your help, Operation Santa Claus can continue to help tens of thousands of needy individuals, making this holiday season brighter and more celebratory for us all!

--For more information call 714-825-3159 or 714-825-3111--