Delco students take part in Operation Santa Claus
MARPLE » Neither threat of snow nor pandemic stopped a group of Cardinal O’Hara students from their rounds delivering hundreds of gifts to in-need children Tuesday morning.
O’Hara’s senior dressed in festive Christmas attired help pack hundreds of gifts in a safe distanced manner for Operation Santa Claus youth served by Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia throughout the five-county Philadelphia metropolitan region.
“Everybody that did Operation Santa brought in a gift for a (specific) child, their name age and organization, brought it into school. We wrapped it here, now we’re taking them out to be delivered,” said O’Hara junior Claire Kutufaris of Springfield. ““I had Kevin, a 15-yearold boy, I got him a Nerf football and a puzzle.”
“The whole school gets together to do this, we shop for the gift than wrap it,” said Junior Lexi Colp. Normally they would have a wrapping party but due to the pandemic safety precaution the event was scaled back.
“It put a damper on things,” Colp said about the COVID precautions. “But this still makes it a joyous year for the kid.”
Colp said they try to buy each child a gift instead of just gift cards so they have something to open up on Christmas morning. She bought her 5-year-old recipient Legos.
“It feels good, especially during Christmas time,” Kutufaris said. “It’s not a normal year but it’s nice we can be doing this.”
O’Hara junior Jack Gallagher agreed.
“It’s a nice thing to do,” he said. Gallagher purchased socks, nail polish and supplies for 10-yearold Alexis.
Traditionally, many of the gifts collected would be distributed to hundreds of children during CSS 65th Annual Archbishop’s Benefit for Children. The annual Christmas party and gifts benefit community-based and residential programs but as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s celebration will take place in a modified fashion outside with due respect for and adherence to guidelines set forth by governmental health agencies.
In addition to Cardinal O’Hara High School, Archbishop John Carroll High School in Radnor and Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast High School in Drexel Hill took part.
The Archbishop’s Benefit for Children is a yearround fundraising effor t that provides necessary support to help ensure the vitality of CSS’ youth programs for children and families of all faiths throughout the five-county metropolitan area comprising the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. These programs provide help and create hope for thousands of children each year, including children with disabilities, atrisk children, and children of immigrant families. All children in need are served regardless of background and faith.