For the 43rd year in a row, teens from across the Archdiocese will be gathering each day for two straight weeks to collect, sort, wrap and tag toys that will be delivered to over 660 families in need. Twenty-five community groups will also receive toys from Operation Santa Claus for children served by their agencies. The student volunteers are members of the Community Service Corps in their Catholic high school or their parish youth ministry program.

On Dec. 17th, "elves" from Cardinal O'Hara and Archbishop Wood High Schools will be wrapping and shopping. Volunteers from Archbishop Carroll and Archbishop Prendergast High Schools will be at the Operation Santa Claus Wrapping Center on Monday, Dec. 20th.

Operation Santa Claus started in 1967 when 12 Archdiocesan teenagers wanted to help 10 families in need in their area. They dressed up like Santa and his elves and delivered toys to the families. The Archdiocesan tradition grew from that selfless act to its current size. This year over 15,000 toys will be distributed or delivered to 5000 children.

For more information please contact Kathy Pfeffer, Coordinator of Community Service Corps, Office for Youth and Young Adults, Archdiocese of Philadelphia at 215-965-4636.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747