Operation Santa Claus
To Our Friends at Penn:
We have started working on the details for this year's 13th Annual "Operation Santa Claus" for the young and senior citizens. This year's party is generously being hosted by the Sheraton Hotel. Management at the hotel will be providing their beautiful ballroom and a lovely meal for the guests. We will again entertain the residents of three West Philadelphia nursing homes: The Ralston House, Mercy Douglas, & Stephen Smith Home, as well as a home for mentally and physically challenged children.
Our senior citizen friends and the children will again be treated to a holiday luncheon and gifts from Santa, as well as surprise entertainment, on Wednesday, December 13.
Last year's party was an overwhelming success; again over 800 gifts were donated along with monetary donations to pay for the party expenses. The gifts were distributed to all the guests in attendance, as well as enough to be sent back to those in the homes not well enough to attend. Gifts were also sent back for those children unable to attend.
We're asking for your help again. We are in need of 600+ gifts and monetary donations to cover the cost of the party. Monetary donations are greatly appreciated. This is used to cover the cost of transportation, entertainment and additional gifts that are always needed.
If you would like further information, please feel free to visit Yvonne in Suite 212 Franklin Building or call me at (215) 898-7234 or (215) 898-4210. Those in Facilities Services can contact George Reale.
Below are some gift suggestions. Simply choose something off the list, wrap it, and place a label or tag on the outside marked with what the item is, whether for a man or woman, girl or boy and the size if applicable. Please, if you would like to purchase a gift for someone more personally, give me a call and I will assign you a guest at the party to buy for. Please contact us and let us know if you are interested in participating so we can be sure that all the children and senior citizens attending will receive a gift.
- Sweatshirts/pants (Men's sz. Lg. & XLg. and Ladies sz. Med. & Lg.)
- Socks (Men's white and dark and Ladies' knee socks & knee highs)
- Perfume and cologne and dusting powder for ladies
- Men's t-shirts and undershirts & thermals (XLg. & Lg)
- Ladies' thermals (sz. Med & Lg)
- Slippers with back out (slip-ons, not the sock type)Men's sz Med. & Lg and Ladies' sz. Sm & Med.
- Men's and Ladies Sweater Vests (all sizes)
- Trivia games, puzzles, chess, checkers, old card games
- Children's board games and hand held electronic games
- Children's outfits, toys, Barbie dolls, beanie babies
There has always been a lot of interest from our staff and friends around campus. We are hoping that you will again be able to help. Please help make this another successful holiday project full of joy and giving for children and elderly.
Please bring all gifts and donations to Yvonne in Suite 212 Franklin Bldg. no later than Monday, December 11.
--Yvonne Giorgio (Oronzio), Operation Santa Claus
Almanac, Vol. 47, No. 13, November 21, 2000