‘A Good Feeling’ : Firefighters Begin Delivering Operation Santa Claus Gifts

Hundreds of soccer balls and tricycles, dolls and other toys arrived at Operation Santa Claus’ toy distribution center in Orange on Thursday, the first of three planned deliveries by members of the Orange County Fire Department.

The toys more than replace the $10,000 worth of gifts stolen two weeks ago from the center at 361 The City Drive. Through an outpouring of gifts from county residents, businesses, schools, churches, the Marines and others, Operation Santa Claus’ warehouse became a toy store for children of poor families or youngsters in foster homes.

As firefighters from the Los Alamitos and Mission Viejo stations, including one captain dressed as Santa Claus, unloaded toys and gifts Thursday, foster parents and county social workers rummaged through the rooms full of merchandise to find suitable gifts for their children. Each was allowed to select $50 worth of gifts per child.

“Do you have any musical things for a little girl who likes to dance?,” a foster parent asked. “Oh, isn’t this cute!” exclaimed a woman as she held a stuffed animal.

Santa (Fire Capt. Mike Raymond) Claus said he enjoys working with the charity because “I like to see the faces of the kids. It makes it all worth it. It’s a good feeling for us.”

The county Fire Department’s 43 stations have been designated as drop-off points for Operation Santa Claus, and the department plans to make two more deliveries before Christmas, Chief Larry Holms said.

Barbara Labitzke, director of foster home development for the county, said: “The gifts that are here are a source of joy for children . . . but we need people to share their hearts and homes with a child.” In 1986, at least 200 more foster homes will be needed in the county, she said.

Jeanette Forker of Garden Grove, whose “Santa’s Helper” T-shirt identified her as an Operation Santa Claus volunteer, said she and her husband, Brent, would try to become foster parents in January. “Kids are the permanent smile of the world,” she declared.