The FBI’s New York Office Lends Santa a Hand

FBI Operation Santa 2009 Volunteers Photo credit: FBI New York

On Wednesday December 9, thousands of students with developmental challenges from throughout New York City came together at John F. Kennedy International Airport Hangar 19 with their teachers, aides, occupational and physical therapists and parent volunteers to participate in Operation Santa, an annual holiday event hosted by the Community Mayors of New York for over 50 years.

Santa Taxiing into JFK Airport Photo credit: FBI New York		Santa and Mrs. Claus with Elves with Hon. Shelley Della Rocca, Chief Mayor, President & CEO Photo credit: FBI New York

High school marching bands from all over the five boroughs paraded around the hangar playing Christmas music. Macy's donated 5,000 toys for the children and Delta Airlines donated a jet to bring Santa to greet the kids at the party's conclusion. Acting Special Agent In Charge (A/SAC) Lauren C. Anderson and 65 FBI volunteers participated along with hundreds from other government agencies, the armed forces, unions and civic organizations.

Lunch for the Kids Prepared by FBI Volunteers Photo credit: FBI New York		FBI Honorary Elves Wrapping Packages for kids. Photo credit: FBI New York

Ronald McDonald entertained the cheering crowd joined by dozens of adaptive education teachers dressed as clowns to help bring smiles to the thousands of special kids attending this year's celebration.  All of the children were treated to a luncheon, balloons, music, cartoon characters and stuffed animals.

Santa’s Train Rolling for the Kids Around Hangar 19 Photo credit: FBI New York

Santa taxied into the hangar and was joined upon his arrival by Chief Community Mayor, Shelly Della Rocca, whose father, Dominick Della Rocca, founded the Operation Santa Claus holiday party for kids with special needs. Mrs. Claus joined Santa and Shelly on the train along with one of Santa's elves and Ronald McDonald.

SA Janet E. Ambrisco (CT23/JFKRA) and SA Jackie Delaney (Community Relations) Photo credit: FBI New York		Acting Special Agent in Charge Lauren Anderson with Community Mayors Joseph Guagliardo and Joseph Troisi, M.D. (ret.) Photo credit: FBI New York		FBI at Community Mayors Opening Ceremony Photo credit: FBI New York

A/SAC Lauren Anderson noted, “It is delightful to see how much this day means to all these children.  It’s important for the children to know that people care and they all enjoy receiving gifts and seeing Santa come in on a plane just for them. Every year this event lifts the spirits not only of these children, but also of the FBI and many other volunteers who participate in this wonderful event.  It was a privilege to be a part of this great day.”

The Community Mayors of New York are dedicated to making every one of their annual outings memorable for the special kids they serve. Their mission statement: "No Man is So Tall as When He Stoops to Help a Handicapped Child."