Operation Santa Takes-Off
Alaska Divisional Headquarters
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 6, 2018
Emmonak, AK – Operation Santa landed its first stop in the rural community of Emmonak on Thursday, November 1, 2018. Their second holiday celebration will touchdown in Gambell on November 30. Annually, The Salvation Army, in partnership with the Army National Guard and Tastee Freez, visits two rural communities to spread holiday cheer through gifting visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, singing carols, watching local dance groups perform and sharing ice cream sundaes.
“Operation Santa provided a chance for the community to come together to help prepare for the celebration today,” said Thomas Kameroff, a lifelong Emmonak resident. “It has created so much excitement and it’s great to see the whole community here celebrating today!”
The annual event is held to spread the holiday cheer, provide an opportunity for organizations to give back to the Alaskan community and provide a joyful family experience for those in the participating communities. For many of the children in the rural communities visited, it is their first time visiting with Santa.
“My trip to Emmonak impressed upon me the cultural richness that lies in these smaller remote communities,” stated Captain Peter Pemberton, The Salvation Army Alaska Division secretary for business. “The people have a beautiful spirit that is refreshing and enriching, and I left with the hope of capturing that spirit and bringing it back with me to share in my own community of Anchorage.”
This year, Operation Santa was also made possible by the generous support of Walmart, who provided over $10,000 to support the annual event. In addition, Costco and Food Services of America continues to be an annual supporter through in-kind donations of new backpacks, snacks and fresh fruit for the fun, family-friendly event.
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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelic part of the universal Christian church, supports those in need in His name without discrimination, offering spiritual encouragement and basic services to meet the needs of Alaskans in 18 communities. The Salvation Army has been caring for mind, body, spirit and soul of individuals, children and families in Alaska since 1898. In 2017, The Salvation Army served 410,166 meals helping more than 7,400 Alaskans monthly, provided 71,175 bed nights, 36,926 toys and gifts and more than 13,900 clothing items provided. For more information, please visit alaska.salvationarmy.org.
About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, nearly 270 million customers and members visit our more than 11,700 stores under 65 banners in 28 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2018 revenue of $500.3 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.3 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com.