Operation Santa helps elementary schools with ‘Christmas in July’ – Lake County Record-Bee

Rosie London, Toni Vecellio, Susan Cole and Carolyn Stegelvik of Operation Santa. (Frederic Lahey for Record-Bee)

HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE – Operation Santa, launched in December 2020 to help struggling families at Coyote Valley Elementary in southern Lake County, is donating $500 each to four area elementary schools to provide school supplies for children in need. The effort underscores the growing year-round focus of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which provided 300 personalized Christmas gifts for 100 children in 2023. The 2024 summer donation will subsidize a $25 school supply package to 20 students per school at Coyote Valley in Hidden Valley Lake, Minnie Cannon in Middletown, Cobb Mountain and Lower Lake elementary schools, with Clearlake set to join next year.

The Hidden Valley Lake-based group will host its second annual fundraising golf tournament on Saturday, Sept. 28, at the HVL Golf Course. There is a $125 entry fee for the foursome scramble with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. Register by Sept. 1 at 5 p.m. or July 31 for an early bird discount.

When Susan Cole and her friends heard that Coyote Valley teachers were taking money out of their own pockets to help students who showed up at school with food and clothing, they decided to do something about it. They contacted the school and asked for help to help six needy families get through the Christmas holidays. They wanted to convince the children that Santa really exists, so they gave the school “Dear Santa” application forms for each child in the family. Armed with first names, ages and wishes, they purchased Christmas packages, wrapped them and brought them to the school.

The founders of Operation Santa discovered that generosity can be addictive. They also realized there were many more families in their own community who needed help. So the women formed a nonprofit corporation to make donations tax-deductible. Although only one of them is a golfer, they tried their hand at their first fundraising golf tournament last year. It was a huge success and allowed them to brighten the holidays for many more families. Local businesses have jumped on the bandwagon. Star Nurseries now donates a Christmas tree to each family, and local merchants provide food vouchers for a holiday meal. The Wine Alliance and Clearlake Rotary have also pitched in. This year they plan to help 24 families, some with multiple foster children, and are spending about $120 per child on Dear Santa gifts.

Businesses and individuals can sponsor a hole for $125. Corporate sponsorships are available for $1,000. Gifts can be donated to live and still auctions, including offerings from local wineries and even a Marilyn Monroe dinner for eight from a local chef. Cash donations are also accepted. Complimentary coffee and pastries, golf cart, gift bag and post-tournament lunch are included with $125 registration for the Sept. 28 tournament.

Because Operation Santa is an entirely volunteer-based organization, all proceeds benefit the children and all donations are tax deductible. Contact them at: operationsantainc.org