As the holiday season unfolds, philanthropy takes center stage in Arizona with the launch of Operation Santa Claus, a charity drive supported by Sanderson Ford; this initiative is well-known for its substantial impact over its 25-year legacy, having amassed over $15 million in support for local families. According to a recent report by KTAR, the drive will be collecting toys, nonperishable food, children's apparel, and cash donations at various locations including Sanderson Ford and Lincoln dealerships, ABC 15 studio, and even U-Haul moving and storage locations around the Valley until December 18.
Contributors to Operation Santa Claus this year have the additional incentive of potentially winning new vehicles such as a 2025 Ford F-150 or a Lincoln Corsair STX, with ongoing prize draws being featured on ABC 15's Sonoran Living show. Adding a localized touch, numerous community events are scheduled to encourage donations, including the Harkins Theatres PSA Campaign and an on-air pickleball raffle with Arizona Sports.
New Life Center, one of the largest domestic violence shelters in the U.S., joins the roster of beneficiaries for Operation Santa Claus this year, offering refugees from violence not just a safe haven but also the promise of a joyous holiday season despite their tribulations. In an interview with ABC15, Amy Scanlon, the director of outreach programs at New Life Center, illuminated the refuge's approach to providing privacy-oriented accommodations and specialized support for teens through Kaity's Way alongside adult services.
Integral to the campaign is the notion that even a single gift can affirm the worth of those struggling to rebuild their lives, as emphasized by Scanlon, who told ABC15 that "even one donated gift tells a survivor that they matter and they are not alone." The Santa Shop at New Life Center allows parents, who have faced the harrow of pulling their lives from the roots of violence, to handpick gifts for their children, preserving a semblance of Christmas normalcy amidst the chaos of new beginnings.
Sanderson Ford sustains this heartfelt initiative, reiterating the company's commitment not merely as a business entity but as a steadfast community support system. It’s clear that their involvement underpins not just a campaign but a movement to 'drive hope' during the holiday season. For those interested in contributing or learning more about the operation and its hosted events, they can find more details on the Operation Santa Claus website.
