SALINAS VALLEY — The spirit of Christmas was alive and well earlier this month at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City, as nearly 600 families from South Monterey County gathered for the annual Operation Santa event.
Hosted by Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez and a team of community partners, the festive celebration delivered more than 2,000 toys and 600 boxes of food to families in need, bringing joy and hope during the holiday season.
“My heart is full, even though my body is tired,” Lopez shared in a social media post following the event. “The magic of Christmas truly shines in Southern Monterey County, and Operation Santa is a beautiful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together as a community.”
The Dec. 19 event kicked off with a grand entrance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, who arrived by helicopter to the delight of children and families. Joined by beloved holiday characters like the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who, the Clauses posed for photos and spread holiday cheer throughout the day.
A Community Effort
The success of Operation Santa was made possible by the efforts of numerous organizations and individuals. From logistical support to donations of toys and food, community partners came together to create a memorable experience for families from King City, Greenfield, Soledad, San Lucas, Bradley and other nearby towns.
Key contributors included California Water Service (Cal Water), Chevron, Salinas Valley Fair, Food Bank for Monterey County, Fort Hunter Liggett, Greenfield Police Department and the King City police and fire departments, among others.
“Santa paused his Christmas preparations and flew into King City today to deliver joy to this community,” Cal Water stated. “We love partnering with him and others to spread some magic this holiday season in our King City District, one of the many communities we serve.”
Volunteers also played a critical role, with teams from local organizations like the Rotary Club of King City, King City Young Farmers, and the Lions Club stepping up to assist. Lopez extended a special thanks to his District 3 staff — Priscilla Barba, Monica Sanchez Hale and Karina Pelayo — whose dedication and hard work made the event a reality.
Impacting Lives
For many families, Operation Santa was more than just a festive gathering — it was a source of relief and happiness during a challenging time. Many of the recipients are farmworkers and laborers who play an essential role in feeding the nation but often face financial hardships.
Greenfield Union School District, which helped identify families in need, expressed its gratitude.
“A huge shoutout to Supervisor Chris Lopez and his team for a successful and generous holiday spirit,” the district stated. “Thanks to his amazing Operation Santa, families in our community are getting the joy and support they deserve this holiday season.”
As children unwrapped their new toys and families received much-needed meals, the smiles and laughter were a testament to the event’s success.
“Operation Santa is more than just an event,” Lopez reflected. “It’s a celebration of community, generosity, and the joy of the Christmas season. Together, we’ve made a meaningful impact for families in Southern Monterey County.”
