Operation Santa Returns to Elgin this Christmas Eve
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, December 21st, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
ELGIN – Santa manages to deliver presents across the entire world each year, but that doesn’t mean a little help isn’t appreciated. The Volunteers of the Elgin Rural Fire Protection District are stepping up again this year to ensure every home in Elgin gets a visit from Old Saint Nicholas this Christmas eve.
For over 50 years, Elgin Rural has hosted some iteration of Operation Santa. According to Rural Fire Chief Kevin Silvernail, the event was originally hosted at the Elgin Opera house with Santa attending in person to hand out presents by a Christmas tree. Gradually the event became more involved as each fire chief gradually expanded the operation into what it is today.
Each year, the department prepares 1,000 goody bags and helps Santa deliver them around Elgin. Deliveries begin at 4:45 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Volunteers split the town into four quadrants, with one volunteer per quadrant dressed up as Santa delivering the goodies. An additional roaming Santa further handles the larger apartment buildings in town. On average, volunteers deliver between 700 and 800 gifts depending on the weather and how many families are home for the holidays. Like last year, volunteers will deliver goodie bags to any house or residence that leaves their porch lights on. Anyone that wants Santa to stop by should remember to leave their lights on Saturday night.
For those that wish to support future operations, the event is funded entirely by donation, primarily from Elgin Rural’s pancake breakfast each year during RiverFest Weekend. Donations can also be sent to PO BOX 431 in Elgin year-round.
