Santa brings some joy to community’s needy

Police officers, donors and volunteers launch 18th Operation: Santa.

Asia Schofield, 6, gives Santa a fist bump during the Springfield Police Division's Operation Santa, Thursday, held at the substation on West Johnny Lytle Avenue. Staff photo by Marshall Gorby

Gorby Asia Schofield, 6, gives Santa a fist bump during the Springfield Police Division's Operation Santa, Thursday, held at the substation on West Johnny Lytle Avenue. Staff photo by Marshall Gorby

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By Jessica Heffner, Staff Writer 10:29 PM Thursday, December 22, 2011

SPRINGFIELD — Even with new dinosaur toys in hand and a plate piled high with food, 8-year-old Hayden Bradley’s mind was on one thing.

“I’m thinking of Santa,” he said.

He was one of 68 Springfield kids who crammed into the police department’s substation on Johnny Lytle Road Thursday as part of the 18th annual Operation: Santa.

Through private donations, police officers and volunteers purchased new coats, clothes, shoes and toys for needy families.

Participants also received a hot meal and cookie. Buckets of small toys were left by the Christmas tree so kids could help themselves.

Because of the increased need in the Springfield community, a total of 42 families and 110 children will receive gifts this year through the program, said Sgt. Joe Tedeschi.

“The numbers are up,” Tedeschi said. “We understand a lot of people are unemployed. We understand the economy is tough for a lot of people. What many of us take for granted doesn’t happen for everybody.”

Nikki Bradley had her four boys in tow for the event. Self-employed and with her boyfriend still looking for work, Operation: Santa was providing much-needed help for the holiday, she said.

“For a family of six, when Christmas comes around, it’s pretty tight,” she said.

Seeing Santa was the highlight of the day, Nikki Bradley said.

“They (were) very excited,” she said. “We missed Santa this year, so Hayden and Will were mad at me.”

Children were called up one at a time to sit on Santa’s lap and receive a special gift and stocking. Tedeschi said families were asked for ideas so each child would receive something on their Christmas list.

According to new U.S. Census data, one in five children lives in poverty. That’s why Operation: Santa “is so important,” said Police Chief Stephen Moody.

After a moment of reflection and time playing with his new toys with his brothers, Hayden Bradley said it was “the best time” he’s had this year.

“I’m glad that we’re here and everybody got here safe and I like all the toys,” he said.

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