Who We Are
Operation Santa Claus (Op Santa), originated at the El Paso Post Newspaper in 1929 and it was named “Handy Santa.” During the Great Depression it ceased to exist. The program was revived in the late 1930’s by the “Good Will Boys Club” which is now The Boys and Girls Club. This did not succeed.
In 1957, Master Sergeant Philip Trout recognized the critical community need and organized the program at Fort Bliss. Due to his military association, he named the program Operation Santa Claus. MSG Trout and a few friends were unsure if the program would fail or succeed.
In 1957 the results were positive, which allowed the creation of a ShowTime USA stage show in 1958.
Admission fee to the show was a toy. The program collected 1500 toys at that time. From very humble beginnings in 1957, come great things. Today we provide toys to several thousand military and civilian Families. This is an astonishing journey!
What We Do
For 60 years Operation Santa Claus has been successful due to volunteers, donations, grants, collaborations with multiple resources, and strength of our organization.
Operation Santa Claus is a 501(3) (c) nonprofit organization that operates 12 months per year. Our organization is an ALL volunteer staff and our overhead expenses are approximately 2%. Currently Operation Santa Claus is one of the largest toy charities in Southwest Texas with one mission:
“TO PROVIDE TOYS TO CHILDREN IN EL PASO AND FORT BLISS TEXAS COMMUNITIES
Details
| (915) 309-0970 | |
| esequielsueg@sbcglobal.net | |
| Sue Gonzales | |
| Treasurer |
