Bringing the Christmas spirit to everyone is what the holiday is really about.

Sara Rubin here, still on a little bit of a sugar high from the latest batch of Christmas cookies to come my way. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by people who like to share treats and warm holiday vibes. For some of us, this season is a busy time hopping from one holiday party to the next. 

But for many people in our community, it is a time of scarcity. The farming season is over, leaving some people out of work. A holiday feast or gifts may be out of reach. 

County Supervisor Chris Lopez had an aspiration to make that dream reachable for constituents who are facing tough times, and starting in 2021, he made it happen with what became the first Operation Santa. 

School district officials in South County (which Lopez represents) have identified some 1,500 children who are unhoused or at risk of losing their housing. They and their families have been invited to a festive celebration that takes place Thursday, Dec. 19 at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds. “It's not about distributing resources, or [the message] that you may need help,” Lopez says. “It's just magic.”

That magic includes the distribution of posole kits, a culturally appropriate meal concept that replaces the old-school turkeys—Lopez hears that families prefer the flavorful hominy stew. It includes additional food boxes and wrapped gifts specific to the children and their ages, which volunteers will gather to wrap tomorrow, Dec. 18. (Volunteers are also needed for the event on Thursday.)

It includes a camouflage-clad Santa who flies in from Fort Hunter Liggett (I hear the reindeer are resting up). The first year of Operation Santa, during the pandemic, families watched from their private vehicles as Santa swooped around with maneuvers then flew away. When Lopez delivered toys to one family through the minivan window, a girl was effusive: “Did you see him? I have never met Santa. My cousin has, she went to Salinas and met him, but Santa doesn't come to South County.”

Lopez had a dream to bring Santa to South County, and now he’s back for the fourth year with what has quickly become a tradition—a little bit of Christmas magic for everyone. 

P.S. There’s another opportunity to contribute and bring holiday cheer to children in need. Elected officials are teaming up with Community Human Services for a gift delivery and pizza party at the SHARE Homeless Navigation Center in Salinas on Thursday. Drop off new, unwrapped items such as backpacks, jackets, sweaters and school supplies today or tomorrow at the offices of Supervisor Luis Alejo (168 W. Alisal St.) or Mayor Dennis Donohue (200 Lincoln St.).