HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE– Operation Santa, which came to life in December 2020 to help struggling families at Coyote Valley Elementary in southern Lake County, is donating $500 to each of four area elementaries to provide school supplies for children in need. The effort underscores a growing year-round focus to the 501(c)(3) non-profit that provided 300 personalized Christmas gifts for 100 children in 2023. The 2024 summer donation will subsidize 20 students per school at Coyote Valley in Hidden Valley Lake, Minnie Cannon in Middletown, Cobb Mountain, and Lower Lake elementary schools with a $25 school supplies package. Next year they plan to add Clearlake.
The group, incorporated in Hidden Valley Lake, has their Second Annual Golf Tournament fundraiser on Saturday, September 28 at the HVL Golf Course. There is a $125 entry fee for the four-person scramble with an 8 a.m. shotgun start. Register by 5 p.m. Sept 1 or by July 31 for an early bird bonus.
When Susan Cole and her friends heard that Coyote Valley teachers were taking money out of their own pockets to help students who were showing up to school in need of food and clothing, they decided to do something about it. They contacted the school and asked to help six families in need get through the Christmas holidays. They wanted to convince the children that Santa really exists, so they gave the school “Dear Santa” request forms for all the kids in the family. Armed with first names, ages and requests they shopped, wrapped and delivered holiday bundles to the school.
The Operation Santa founders discovered that generosity can be addictive. They also realized that there were a great many more families in need of help, right in their own community. So the women created a nonprofit corporation to make donations tax-deductible. Though there is only one golfer among them, they tried their first Golf Tournament fundraiser last year. It was a huge success and allowed them to brighten the holidays of many more families. Local businesses have climbed aboard. Star Nurseries now donates a Christmas tree to each family, and local merchants provide grocery coupons for a holiday meal. The Wine Alliance and Clearlake Rotary have both pitched in. This year they plan to help 24 families, some with multiple foster kids, spending some $120 per child for “Dear Santa” gifts.
Businesses and individuals can sponsor a hole for $125. Corporate Sponsorship is available for $1000. Gifts can be donated for Live and Silent Auctions, featuring offerings from local wineries and even a Marilyn Monroe-themed dinner for eight from a local chef. Cash donations are also accepted. Complimentary coffee and pastries, golf cart, gift bag and lunch following the tournament are included in the $125 registration for the September 28 tournament.
Since Operation Santa is an all-volunteer organization, all proceeds go to the children, and all donations are tax-deductible. Contact them at: operationsantainc.org
