CAMP DENALI, Alaska - A 50-year tradition continued this week in Alaska, where Operation Santa Claus visited Kivalina.
The city in Alaska's Northwest Arctic Borough was showered with gifts and a surprise visit from Gov. Sarah Palin and other distinguished guests.
"This is so much fun and the presents are really cool," said Jasmine Adams, 14, of Kivalina.
Fellow student Warren Hawley, 13, agreed. "This is the best, better than anything," he said. "This doesn't happen very much, and we want you guys to come back."
The community relations and support program sponsored visits to other rural Alaskan communities, including Ruby, Newtok, Stebbins, Teller, Brevig Mission and Chalkyitsik. A visit to Metlakatla also is planned for this week.
Of Kivalina's 125 students, who attend McQueen School, all were in attendance to receive books, presents, a holiday meal and a new Operation Santa Claus feature, photos with Santa.
"In past Operation Santa Claus operations, we've brought clothes to give as gifts, but that wasn't really a necessity in this instance, so I, along with other members of the Operation Santa Claus committee came up with the idea of getting these kids pictures of themselves with Santa," said Rich Owens, a business owner, Operation Santa Claus committee member and avid supporter of the Alaska National Guard.
From fresh fruit donations from the Food Service of America, to books, gifts and a warm holiday meal, all were in high spirits and thankful for the support of their National Guard.
"It's going to be a good Christmas," said Victor A. Norton, a Kivalina resident. "This event brings such a warm and comfortable feeling to town. We all really appreciate the governor and the generals making time to be here."
Several distinguished military guests were in attendance to give their warm holiday regards to the people of Kivalina, including: Gen. Carrol H. Chandler, Pacific Air Forces commander; Lt. Gen. (Alaska) Craig E. Campbell, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard; Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins, Alaskan Command commander; and Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Katkus, Alaska Army National Guard commander.
The people of Kivalina were overjoyed when Palin arrived with her daughter, Piper.
"It's wonderful to be here in Kivalina to celebrate the holidays and to be able to do this for the children of the community," Palin said. "It's good to be able to show our support for the National Guard and to show the people of Alaska what our Guard is up to."
After a hot Christmas dinner, lifelong Kivalina resident Larry Adams expressed his thanks to the men and women of the Alaska Guard.
"It's absolutely great what the Guard is doing and the kids just love this," Adams said. "I wish they would do this more often. We would love to see the Guard here again. Only we don't want to wait until next winter, come see us again this summer."
From its roots delivering toys to the children of St. Mary's in 1956 and throughout the years and evolution of social conditions, not only has Operation Santa Claus spread the joy and charity of Christmas, but it has established and continues to maintain and improve a connection with the people of rural Alaska.
"The greatest thing about Operation Santa Claus is that we get to share our gifts, and the people of the communities get to share their culture," Campbell said. "Operation Santa Claus becomes a bonding experience for both urban and rural Alaska."