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.

Where, When and What for Operation Santa

Operation Santa is getting very close! In just two days, we'll be making children's lives a little brighter.

Our activities will take place at the Universal City-North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce which has graciously provided us with facilities for Operation Santa.

For directions and a map to the UCNH Chamber, please click here.

For a brief description of Operation Santa, click here.

Day of Event
We'll do final preparations, deliveries and wrapping up the project here. Volunteers who are delivering should start showing up at 3:00 p.m. There is some flexibility in when a group gets started, however we'd like to be done by 8:00 p.m. If you are interested in helping with getting us set up, please show up at 1:00 p.m.

Universal City-North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
Final prep, delivery and wrap up 12/24/05, 1:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

If you become lost or need any further questions answered during any of the work sessions, please call 818.430.3069.

How To Get To The Universal City-North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

Starting Saturday, December 17th, all of our organization efforts will take place at The Universal City-North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Here is a map that shows you how to get to LAVC from various points. (Click on the image for a larger map you can print using your browser)

Classical Recital A Complete Success

by Pat Myles 43rd President, Universal City-North Hollywood Jaycees

Ermin Cruz III's Recital hosted by the Universal City/North Hollywood Jaycees was a big success. Over a hundred people attended this special gala benefitting Operation Santa. First, a wonderful art gallery exhibit was shown to all. Then Santa came by with treats and good wishes. We were entertained by the wonderful voice of Ermin Cruz III. The audience was moved by the incredible classical concert that took place that evening. The concert was an amazing success.

Thanks to the incredible efforts of the event, it is anticipated about close to $700 will be raised to help deserving families have a good Christmas. A special thank you goes to the committee for their efforts. They are Jack Witt, Uday Thombre, Megan Hammitt, Stefanie Ibanez, Abby Aaronson and Alvin Abris. Of course, Thanks to Ermin Cruz III for this wonderful fundraising opportunity for Operation Santa.

Another special thank you to Annie G. Reed, President of the Universal City/North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Her efforts were a crucial element to the success of the project. The Universal City/North Hollywood Jaycees are extremely grateful for the support of groups like the Chamber for supporting Operation Santa.

Santa Suits Needed!

We are in need of Santa suits of all styles for the evening of December 24th. If you are willing to donate or loan such to us, we would be very appreciative. Please email Michael Higby at michael_higby@yahoo.com if you can help!

Classical Recital SOLD OUT!

The Classical Recital to benefit Operation Santa has sold out! The program, featuring baritone Ermin Cruz, III is sponsored by the Universal City-North Hollywood Jaycees and the Los Angeles Valley College Arts Council.

Thank you to everyone involved, and a very special thank you to Ermin himself!

Classical Recital To Benefit Operation Santa

The Universal City-North Hollywood Jaycees (Junior Chamber) and The Arts Council at Los Angeles Valley College are teaming up to present a Classical Recital at the College to benefit the Jaycees annual “Operation: Santa” project this holiday season. Since 1998 hundreds of low-income children have received toys and gifts from the Operation: Santa program.

The recital features Jaycee member Ermin Cruz III (Baritone) along with Greg Schreiner (Piano) and will include an evening of Mozart, Gounod, Schubert, Scarlatti, Abelardo, Sondheim, Rodgers & Hammerstein, et al. Trader Joe’s Studio City and Cap’n Cork Los Feliz will be donating food and beverage for the reception. Los Angeles Valley College is donating the Music Hall for the recital performance and giving a private tour of the newly renovated Art Gallery and exhibit entitled "Private Passions The Faculty Collects."

The Junior Chamber is an international organization with chapters in nearly every country. Members include adults aged 18-40 that range from young professionals interested in networking and socializing to regular, every-day folks that just want to do something good in their community.

The Jaycees have advertising opportunities available for the recital program, and are also seeking both monetary and in-kind donations for the Operation: Santa project, as well as volunteers. For more info about the Jaycees, visit www.ucnhjaycees.com or call: 818-628-0334.