CIRCLE, Alaska - Alaska Army and Air National Guard members and Salvation Army volunteers boarded a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter with Santa Claus Nov. 6 to deliver gifts to the remote village of Circle along the Yukon River.

The event was one of three deliveries this year as the Alaska Guard and the Salvation Army work to bring Santa’s magic to the farthest corners of Alaska.

“In the 13 years I’ve been with the Yukon Flats school district, I’ve never seen more enthusiasm in the kids,” said John Biafore, Yukon Flats school district principal. “Many of our older students remember when they were young and how it was having Santa come to their homes. The group brought it back again, and it was something the kids needed. This really launched us into an extremely happy holiday season.”

This year marks the 69th iteration of the AKNG’s Operation Santa Claus, spreading holiday cheer across remote Alaskan communities since 1956.

Operation Santa Claus began in the village of St. Mary’s following devastating spring floods and a drought that impacted subsistence activities. The mission was to provide children with essential food and gifts. The village mission in St. Mary’s worked with the Anchorage community to collect donations, and the Alaska Air National Guard delivered the contributions, bringing joy and hope to the community during a difficult time.

Since then, the program has grown into a statewide tradition, delivering toys, books, backpacks, and other holiday surprises to children in rural Alaskan communities. This year, the Alaska National Guard continued its tradition by bringing smiles to the children of Circle, which faced severe flooding in May 2023.

Alaska Air and Army National Guard members teamed up with Salvation Army volunteers as elves. They sorted and wrapped presents at the Salvation Army, ensuring every child on the list had a backpack full of goodies.

“Operation Santa Claus is a chance to come together as a community and spread the true spirit of Christmas,” said Staff Sgt. Yao Cai, 168th Wing comptroller flight. “I’m glad I had the chance to help Santa pass out the gifts in Circle. It was really nice.”

Chief Master Sgt. Jennifer Beckley and her team from the 168th Wing, Aircrew Flight Equipment, volunteered and wrapped gifts at the Salvation Army. “It’s a great experience to get involved and lend a hand to make the season brighter,” she said. “I’m really glad I was able to get involved.”