The visibility was poor and the ground was slippery and the rain was more ice than water on the night of Nov. 15. Conditions were too difficult for Santa’s experienced sleigh team. Some problems require modern solutions. Take the Alaskan National Guard’s Black Hawk, a four-blade twin-engine workhorse that is reliable enough to take wounded soldiers out of combat zones, and give presents to the great girls and boys in remote locations.
There was not enough space inside the UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter for the Clauses and their assistants along with the gifts, as well as an radio reporter. Therefore, we had to take two flights. Santa was part of one group. The seven-year-old didn’t let that deter Second grader Stella’s enthusiasm about St. Nick’s tardy arrival.
“I am so excited to meet Santa,” Stella said.
Over a hundred students as well as their families crowded into the Tuluksak gymnasium. Mr. as well as Mrs. Claus were greeted and was treated with Yup’ik drumming, and dance.
Principal of Tuluksak School Kary DelSignore greeted the guests. She stated that the community has had to face a variety of challenges over the past years.
“We have lost water system during the fire. In the past, we experienced pipes explode underground. The school was left without running water or sewerage. We needed to have water delivered to us. It was a huge burden for our community. We’ve had to change our school calendars and seek assistance through the state. This is a truly thrilling event for the community, and certainly a positive experience for all,” DelSignore said.
DelSignore also stated that the cost of living as well as the absence of job opportunities makes the lives of families difficult to pay for Christmas presents.
“This is an enormous occasion, and very meaningful to our students. I was just looking at the backpacks they unloaded. I can’t wait for our children to be at school with their brand new backpacks, and all the delights inside them,” DelSignore said.
Major. Henry Graciani is the Divisional Commander of Maj. Henry Graciani is the Divisional Commander for Salvation Army, Alaska division. He stated it is because the Salvation Army has a long-standing relationship along with Alaska National Guard to run Operation Santa Claus.
“It’s an important aspect. Every child is unique and unique, isn’t he? Every child matters. This is why it’s essential for children, not only in urban areas and in rural areas to receive help that they can remember, and to be remembered. So here we are working in partnership with Alaska National Guard, Mattel along with Tastee Freez to help out the children of Tuluksak and we’re happy to be a part of this. It’s a great cause. Salvation Army is grateful to be part of the effort,” Graciani said.
Alongside Santa and his countless portions of Tastee Freez ice cream were valuable cargo aboard the plane. In reality, it was hard to determine which had the most people in the line: Santa or Tastee Freez.
“Do you require any other toppings like chocolate, or caramel?” Tastee Freez representative Linwood Stowe posed the question to a curious customer.
The reporter counted and found more people waiting to get an Tastee Freez sundae than to take a seat at Santa’s feet.
Stowe claimed that he served more than 200 sundaes within around an hour.
“Yeah I am in love with it!. Being here and watching the children’s faces even the adults or adults, are likely to be more excited about ice cream than children. It’s pretty amazing to be able to observe,” Stowe said.
After everyone’s hands were wet, it’s now time to visit Santa as well as Mrs. Claus.
Santa told me that he enjoys trying to run earlier in Alaska. The terrain and the weather make excellent for practice runs.
“Operation Santa Claus works really early since it’s a way to getting ready on behalf of all the Elfs you know. We always have a programme of training. The sprinkle of this all over kind of encourages people to look ahead to Christmas and think about positive things they have experienced in their lives, and appreciate for one another,” he said.
Santa was unresponsive when they were asked about their age, or the specifics about Operation Santa.
“Santa Claus was present at the very beginning at the St. Mary’s mission, all those years ago. It’s to be a faraway galaxy however it was truly a wonderful thing. Mrs. Claus and I have been together for a long time, we’ll let it be for many years,” Santa said.
Not everyone was ecstatic about Santa.
A few kids wept when their families snapped pictures that included Santa as well as Mrs. Claus, but Mrs. Claus remained unfazed.
“We are devoted to the children. We adore the Elders. We also love the little ones who shout at their phones. We love all of them,” Mrs. Claus stated.
She believed it was a success. Operation Santa was a success.
“The kids received all their gifts. They all received pictures and sundaes, as well as candy. We don’t need to suffer from a sugar high,” Mrs. Claus declared.
The Clauses and the elf helpers retreated towards their home in Black Hawk. They travelled to Golovin on November. 30, and then they went to Fort Yukon on Dec. 1. They made an end stop at Koyuk at the end of December. 15.
