"Operation Santa" put on by the Ballyhoo Lions Club has been in place for 25 years and this holiday season marked another successful year for the event. The Lions Club held a raffle drawing in November and proceeds from the fundraiser were able to cover the cost of Operation Santa gifts, and add to their scholarship fund for graduating seniors.
This year Santa and his elves made a special visit to Eagle's View Elementary School to distribute gifts to all of the kindergarten through fourth grade students. Operation Santa also ensured that gifts were sent to outlying communities across the Aleutians including Akutan, Atka, and Adak. Frank Kelty as Santa this year wanted to thank all of the local businesses and Alaska Airlines for generously donating two round-trip airline tickets and many cash prizes to help make Operation Santa a reality.