2007 Operation:Santa a HUGE success!!

The magic happened once again on Christmas Eve as the UCNH Jaycees and friends delivered toys and cheer to almost 400 deserving children in the San Fernando Valley. We started about 3p as the volunteers started arriving. They began to suit up, then they grabbed their toy bags, and headed out into the evening with maps and directions from location to location. Most teams had a Santa and helpers. One team even had a genuine/certified Elf along to help Santa. Deliveries were made and most teams were back to Operation:Santa central by 7p. Lots and lots of food was donated by Victorios Italian Restaurant in North Hollywood for the volunteers. After arriving back at Op Santa central, teams shared stories of their deliveries and drop offs, and the excitement of Christmas was palpable in the air for these giving adults who participated in one of the most genuine Christmas charity projects in the United States.

A very big KUDOS to chairperson Liz Coopersmith for pulling off a great event. And, it was her first Operation:Santa. No wonder she's next in line to be President of the UCNH Jaycees next year.

So for now, the Santa Suits are packed away for next year and we're all getting back to our normal lives; but for a few hours on Christmas Eve, about 50 volunteers experienced the true meaning of Christmas...and in case anybody is still doubting...SANTA CLAUS IS REAL.

Toy Bagging this Saturday for Op Santa

Volunteers needed for Saturday, December 22nd for the Toy Bagging and Tagging at the UCNH Chamber Offices from 2p-5p. Office is located at 6369 Bellingham Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91606.

If you have some toys that you'd like to donate, this will be your last chance to stop by and drop them off.

Please RSVP to Liz Coopersmith at Liz@Silvercharmevents.com

if you plan on attending. Ho Ho Ho!

HOWS sponsors Reception at Recital

Thanks to HOWS Market for sponsoring the Operation:Santa benefit Recital reception recently at First Christian Church in North Hollywood. HOWS is a new upscale grocery store located at the NoHo Commons on Lankershim between Chandler and Weddington. Open 24 hours and featuring a wine tasting room, once you've shopped at HOWS, you're hooked. Great, friendly staff, and easy free parking.

On Saturday, January 5th 2008 Jaycee Chairman of the Board Jack Witt will be doing a Free Grocery Shopping Tour and Nutrition Label Reading event from 1p-2p at HOWS. RSVP only to Jack@getfitwithWitt.com

Daily News scheduled to interview about Op Santa

Mark Kellum with the Valley News section of the Daily News is scheduled to interview UCNH Jaycee President Jack Witt on the 17th about Operation:Santa. Stay tuned for the article once it comes out.

The Fund Drive is ON!

Hi, I'm Liz Coopersmith, and I'm the chair of Operation Santa this year. Today is the start of our fund drive, where we're raising money to buy toys and gifts for the children who will benefit from the program. Our goal is to raise $1,000 by December 20th, two weeks from today. So far, we've raised $250, so we're getting there! Help the kids out by clicking on the "make a donation" link on the right, and we'll keep you updated here on how we're doing.

Also, if you're interested in volunteering on Christmas Eve, or contributing in some other way, you can email me directly at liz@silvercharmevents.com or give me a call at 310-801-3602.

Hard to the Core Fitness is all soft when it comes to Op:Santa

Hard to the Core Fitness, located at 17200 Ventura Blvd., #101 in Encino, placed a toy bin in the gym this weekend for Operation:Santa. This is the 3rd year in a row this gym location has supported the UCNH Jaycees project. Manager Lisa Smith participated in Operation:Santa last year with her dog "knuckles". We hope to see "Knuckles" back again this year. Jaycee President Jack Witt trains his clients out of this location as well.

Numero Uno Pizza Encino gets a toy Bin

Another location in Encino put an Operation:Santa toy bin in the lobby. Number Uno Encino is located at 16545 Ventura Blvd. 818-990-8820. Great Pizza and Salads too!!!

Yates and Co. Flex their Holiday Spirit

Yates and Company Salon in Encino have added an Operation:Santa toy bin to help the UCNH Jaycees with Operation:Santa. Owner Jim Yates is a highly in demand hair stylist to the stars and always opens up his business to help those in need. Manager Anna Longoria is a new member of the UCNH Jaycees and will be volunteering to help out with the logistics of the project to make it a success!

Sample "Dear Santa" Letters

Here are some sample past Dear:Santa lettters that the UCNH Jaycees intercepted on route to the North Pole. Imagine the excitment and wonder when we show up on Christmas Eve dressed like Santa, right to their doorstep, know their name, and what they requested for Christmas!

Domingo writes: "Dear:Santa, my name is Domingo and I will like some pants for Christmas. My size for my pants is size 7 and I even will like a pair of shoes and my size the shoes is 2 and next Christmas I will like more pants and shirts."

Jizel writes: "Dear Santa, I have a feeling that I was bad, but you believe in children even bad ones. I am eight years old. What I think I got for Christmas last year is a race car and a brat doll. Santa, I'm not sure if I believe in you or not, but thank you for the presents!"

Ricardo writes: "Dear Santa, My name is Ricardo and I have a brother that is ill. He needs a kidney, his name is Eliel. I have been good and my brother too. I want a game and for my brother a ps2 game or some shoes, size 8. Tennis shoes-white please. Thank You Santa."

Each household typically has several siblings that are home and are ecstatic to see Santa at their doorstep. The Jaycees are looking for volunteers, donations, and companies to put a toy bin in so that they can provide toys and cheer to 500 needy kids this year. Call project chairperson Liz Coopersmith at 310-801-3602.

Body Image Gym-Supporting the Jaycees for Op:Santa

Right in the center of the NoHo Arts District, BodyImage's personal training facility has been especially designed for one-on-one training. A full compliment of free weights, machines and cardiovascular equipment ensures that each personal training program can be fully customized to focus on the specific needs of each individual. Combined with friendly staff and professional service, you can truly reach all your health and fitness goals. Owner Pattiy Knox is a UCNH Jaycee member as well as Lifestyle Fitness Coach-Jack Witt, and Front Desk Manager Michelle Duncan; who designs many of the Jaycee ads and flyers for various community outreach projects.

Sky Flowers Joins List of Op:Santa Supporters

Sky Flowers houses the beautiful tradition of floral design with a unique twist around every petal. With a family history of floral design spanning three generations, they have perfected the art of flower making down to every detail.

The store was featured in an episode of the Larry David HBO program, Curb Your Enthusiasm.

And today they join the Op:Santa family and become yet another location you can drop toys off in one of our colorfully decorated bins.

Sky Flowers is located at 4795 Vineland Ave # C, North Hollywood, CA 91602. You can reach them at (818) 769-9494.

Sun Community Newspapers to run Op:Santa Ads

Sun Community Newspapers ,which are three seperate papers consisting of the Studio City Sun, Sherman Oaks Sun, and the Encino Sun have offered to give Operation:Santa a big boost this year by running quarter page ads in all three papers calling out for sponsors and volunteers. Founder Jim Kaplan is a big supporter of our community and the UCNH Jaycees.

Booster Juice Signs Up As Op: Santa Sponsor

2007 brought a number of major, positive changes to the NoHo Arts District section of North Hollywood.

One of them, the opening of NoHo Commons, a brand new upscale shopping center featuring shopping, restaurants (and soon) entertainment.

The latest addition to the Commons is Booster Juice, a fun and refreshing fresh fruit smoothie and beverage store.

New Jaycee Christina Jun is Regional Manager for the chain and has graciously offered to support Operation: Santa by providing space for one of our toy donation bins.

Stop by Booster Juice on the north side of the Commons (on Chandler just a few doors east of Lankershim across from the North Hollywood Metro Red Line Station), have a great smoothie and drop off toys for our kids here in NoHo.

Dear Santa..

Children and kids at heart are encouraged to write to Santa. Share your holiday wish or relive fond memories. To write your Dear Santa letter, please click here! To read comments, please click here.

Brief History of Operation Santa

1998 - Proto-Operation Santa: UCNH Jaycees was forming as a new chapter. Two toy drives were held at Sears North Hollywood and Kaybee Toys in Sherman Oaks. The toys were donated to the North Hollywood Police Department's annual toy drive. Some of the UCNH members participated with the police in delivering the toys to children a few days before Christmas.

1999 - First ever Operation Santa: (flyer to the left, click on image for larger view): The Jaycees now an official chapter with nearly 35 members undertakes a complete Operation Santa project on their own, based on the program run by the Pasadena Jaycees. North Pole base of Operation was the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn. Chairperson was William Sparks.

2000 - Lets Do It Again: Jaycees now at 50 members. Base of operation moved to Universal City-North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

2001 - Op Santa Goes Digital: Database system implemented to streamline toy delivery. Nearly 60 members. UCNH Jaycees chosen as #1 Jaycee Chapter in the State of California.

2002 -The Coming of Jack: Additional innovations added to streamline toy delivery. 2006 UCNH Jaycees Chapter President Jack Witt joins the chapter just prior to the project. Serves as Chairperson. Extra toys donated to LA Homeless Services.

2003 - The Last Op Santa?: Jack Witt chairs once again. Writes Operation Santa song. More families than ever (100) served. Microsoft Streets and Trips replaces use of venerable Thomas Guide for routing deliveries, first time use of custom made delivery maps. Last time Universal City-North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce serves as North Pole headquarters.

2004 - The Year Without An Op Santa: Chapter decides to experiment and try a holiday party for children instead of Operation Santa. Many children in attendance and Santa can serve them all at once.

2005 - Op Santa Is Back!: After a one year hiatus Operation Santa returns! New partnership forged with Los Angeles Valley College. Universal City-North Hollywood Chamber is on board with amazing support. Classical recital at Valley College featuring Ermin Cruz, III is most successful Op Santa fund raiser ever. Chairperson is Michael Higby.

2006 - The Beat Goes On: Operation Santa in full swing again. Nearly 100 families served. More local businesses sign up to host toy bin donation stations. Classical recital featuring Ermin Cruz, III is held again, this time adding noted soprano Gina Graziadio. Chairperson is Megan Hammit.

The Operation: Santa Music Video

Featuring Brian Setzer, Jack Witt, Pat Myles, Alvin Abris and a waitress at Sitton's.

Committee Meetings Announced for Op:Santa

Would you like to be on the committee to help plan and execute the 2007 Operation:Santa? We'll be meeting at 7p each Sunday at HOWS Supermarket Wine Room (except for Thanksgiving Weekend.) To RSVP please contact Operation:Santa chairperson Liz Coopersmith at 310-801-3602. or Liz@silvercharmevents.com

L.A. Opera comes to NoHo for Op:Santa

One of the fundraisers for the 2007 Operation:Santa is a Benefit Recital featuring Jaycees and L.A. Opera members Ermin Cruz III and Gina Graziadio. They'll be performing Spirituals, Love Songs and Duets, Showtunes, and Classicals on Saturday, November 10th at 7p at First Christian Church in North Hollywood (corner of Colfax and Moorpark). Tix are $20. To RSVP or make a donation go to www.ucnhjaycees.org/recital

Check out the Studio City Sun interview Here.

Check out the NoHoartsdistrict.com interview Here.