Operation Santa organization needs hundreds of volunteers to sponsor military kids for the holidays

PITTSBURGH — In a week, hundreds of military kids will enjoy a Christmas Carnival inside the Old Sears at the Mall in Robinson Township.

It’s called Operation Santa. This year, organizers are running short of donations, leaving hundreds of children still without sponsors.

>>> More about Operation Santa <<<

“We have 900 military kids’ wishlists and so we have around 219 last count that have been adopted,” said Kristi Hilbert from Operation Santa.

It’s the latest challenge for the non-profit. The first was securing the space.

“Super relieved we got the space back, There was a little bit of a panic for us, we lost a couple of days in planning and decorating,”Hilbert said.

Earlier this month, Channel 11 News reported Operation Santa was booted out of this event space at the Mall at Robinson Township. Then, the building’s owner changed their mind.

Now, organizers hope more sponsors offer to adopt the military kids left with their Christmas wishlist.

“Military kids and spouses serve too. They may not wear a uniform, but they serve just the same and they sacrifice a lot in service to our country,” Hilbert said.

It’s the 10th year for Operation Santa. It was canceled last year.

Each year, people donate $50 to sponsor a military child’s wishlist. Then organizers shop for the gifts to be given in a bag at the Carnival with to and from tags from the sponsor.

“We’re hoping more people see this and they want to show support for the military and will consider adopting a child’s wishlist with a $50 donation, we are 501 c 3, so everything is tax deductible.,” said Hilbert

For more information about being a volunteer or sponsor for Operation Santa, you can visit OperationSantaPGH.com

The Christmas Carnival gift-giving event is on Saturday, Dec. 9.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

©2023 Cox Media Group