Alaska National Guard kicks off Operation Santa Claus in village of Circle [Video]

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – The Alaska National Guard recently made its first stop on its Operation Santa Claus mission in the village of Circle along the Yukon River.

In partnership with the Salvation Army, Operation Santa Claus has delivered holiday magic to rural Alaskan villages since 1956.

Circle was selected as a stop on this year’s tour after the community experienced a severe flood in May 2023.

Salvation Army Fairbanks Corps Captain Jon Tollerud says volunteers spent countless hours preparing for the big day.

“We spend time packing and preparing toys for each individual child.” He says, “Then we load up with whatever National Guard members that want to join Santa Claus and we head off in a Black Hawk helicopter.”

Santa and his elves arrived in Circle on Nov. 6 with boxes of toys, snacks, and school supplies.

“Checked off every name to …