National Guard Brings Santa Clause To Remote Village In Alaska
The Christmas season can be so full of fun and joy, but if you live in an area that’s not easily accessible, you may not experience the same holiday spirit that other people get to enjoy.
For kids living in the roadless village of Nuiqst, Christmas gifts aren’t easy to come by. In fact, most items have to arrive via airplane or the seasonal ice road that’s only open from January through April.
To help spread a little Christmas joy, the Alaska National Guard hosts “Operation Santa Claus” to bring Santa to remote native villages across the state. In 2022, the village chosen for a visit from Santa was none other than Nuiqst, which is home to around 460 people and is situated just 30 miles south of the Arctic Ocean.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Principal Lee Karasiewicz of the Trapper School said: “Some of them were out on the deck and they were jumping up and down, excited to see the plane coming in. They knew right away by the size of the plane, who was on that plane.”
When Santa and Mrs. Claus stepped off the cargo plane, it was pure joy for the kids of the village!
They all gathered in the school’s gymnasium and enjoyed a meeting with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Beyond that, they were each gifted with a backpack that was packed with books, snacks, gifts, and hygiene supplies.
In the end, the Alaska National Guard delivered more than 1,400 pounds of gifts for the kids living in Nuiqsut, kids who might’ve received no presents at all otherwise.
According to the National Guard, the “Operation Santa Clause” objective began back in 1956 “to bring holiday cheer to children and families in remote villages across the state.”
Based on the kids’ reactions to seeing Santa, it’s safe to say they’re doing a great job.
Check out the video below:
