SANTA RETURNS TO NORTH HOLLYWOOD THIS SUNDAY

(PRWEB) December 30, 2000 -- The Universal City-North Hollywood Junior Chamber (Jaycees) is gearing up to once again run its Operation Santa" project to provide a little better holiday season for economically disadvantaged children in the North Hollywood area. Last year, Jaycee volunteers with support from the North Hollywood Rotary Club and others collected and distributed toys to nearly 100 families in the community.

One of the most incredible experiences Ive ever had is involved with Operation Santa. Its the greatest way that Jaycees can give back to their community and theyve been doing it for nearly 80 years, state Universal City-North Hollywood President Jason Price, Jaycees love this project, its the greatest warm fuzzy in the world. It really defines who we are."

During Operation Santa, members of the Jaycees collect letters to Santa from local post offices and schools. In the meantime, toy and fundraising efforts are targeted at the community. The letters are matched to zip codes and schools known to contain large numbers of underprivileged children and then catalogued by what the kids ask for. On Christmas Eve, volunteers dressed as Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves deliver personalized gift packages to the kid letter writers, as well as additional items for their siblings. In 1999, the program served about 100 families in North Hollywood, this year the group anticipates serving 250 needy families. So far this year, the Jaycees have collected nearly $5000 in toys and contributions for the project.

The Universal City-North Hollywood Jaycees modeled their program on that of the Pasadena Jaycees, which has run the project for nearly sixty years. Many Jaycee chapters throughout California and the US have such a project and most report its the most popular amongst it membership.

Among those supporting the Jaycees with this project are the North Hollywood and Studio City Rotary Clubs, Kaybee Toys and a number of small businesses in the area. For more information, please contact the Universal City-North Hollywood Junior Chamber at (818) 769-8489.