PHOENIX — ABC15 Arizona, Sanderson Ford and Sanderson Lincoln have joined forces with the Valley community for 24th annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive. This beloved Arizona tradition continues its mission of brightening the holidays for local families in need through donations of packaged food, unwrapped toys, children's clothes and monetary contributions.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, Operation Santa Claus raised $1,000,860.40 to help Arizona families this holiday season!
The campaign ran from Nov. 14 through Dec.18, with multiple ways for the community to contribute:
· Visit donation drop-off locations across the Valley, including Sanderson Ford, Sanderson Lincoln, participating U-Haul locations and ABC15 Studios
· Make a secure donation online at givetotheclaus.com
· Tune-in and follow ABC15 Ariona on Dec. 4 for Claus-a-Thon Day. Throughout the day, ABC15 Arizona will promote the need for donations on all its platforms. The station will also have a festive donation phone bank from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Donors contributing $5 or more were entered into weekly drawings for a chance to win a new Ford F-150 truck or Lincoln Corsair, with 15 finalists each receiving a $100 Visa gift card.
Benefiting charities are:
· Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC)
· Military Assistance Mission (MAM)
· Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC)
· Special Olympics Arizona
· St. Mary's Food Bank
The campaign will culminate with a live vehicle giveaway on ABC15’s Sonoran Living on Dec. 20 at 9 a.m.
ABC15 Arizona and Sanderson Ford, Lincoln and Lincoln Boutique are partnering with select U-Haul locations, iHeartMedia, Bonneville Media and Hubbard radio for this year’s drive.
“Operation Santa Claus embodies the spirit of giving that defines our community,” said Anita Helt, vice president and regional general manager at ABC15 Arizona. “For 24 years, our viewers have consistently stepped up to ensure every child experiences the joy of the holiday season. We're proud to continue this tradition of helping our neighbors in need.”
“24 years of Operation Santa Claus is incredible! I’m so proud of our employees, partners and our community for working together and building Operation Santa Claus bigger and better every year,” said David Kimmerle, president of Sanderson Ford and Sanderson Lincoln. “This year, the need is even greater. Thousands of families throughout the Valley are counting on us. I really believe the community can and will come together to raise the bar one more time.”
Visit givetotheclaus.com for complete details and donation information.
