On Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 9:30 a.m., Senator Shapleigh will honor members of Operation Santa Claus with the "Adelante Con Ganas Award."  Every month Senator Shapleigh awards one or more persons who have made an extraordinary commitment to service, family and community.

For 50 years, Operation Santa Claus has worked with the Boys and Girls Club of El Paso in distributing toys to military families and in El Paso's poorest neighborhoods. In 2008 alone, the Fort Bliss-based charity donated approximately 40,000 toys.

"Quietly and steadily, Operation Santa Claus has delivered toys and happiness to thousands of children who otherwise would not have the best Christmas," Senator Shapleigh said. "So this Christmas, we salute them with our highest honor."

Operation Santa Claus celebrated the holidays with a block party and parade on December 12, 2008 in Downtown El Paso. During the parade, children from the Boys and Girls Club, and the La Fe Preparatory School received gifts from Santa that had been loaded into military trucks.

Operation Santa Claus partnered with the El Paso Fire Department and turned each of the city's fire stations into 24-hour drop-off points for donated toys. The organization is one of the largest charity toy drives in the state of Texas.

Members of Operation Santa Claus will be honored at the Operation Santa warehouse, Building 1123, Baldwin Road, Fort Bliss, Texas.

Media Note: Please meet at Cassidy Gate at 9 a.m. to be escorted onto base. Please call the Fort Bliss Public Affairs Office at 568-4505 or 568-4601 if you arrive after this time.
    
What:  "Adelante Con Ganas" Award to members of Operation Santa Claus

When:  Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 9:30 a.m.

Where:  Operation Santa warehouse, Building 1123, Baldwin Road, Fort Bliss, Texas