National Guard, Others Begin Delivering Thousands Of Gifts To Children In Need In New Hampshire: Video

CONCORD, NH — Dozens of New Hampshire National Guardsmen, state employees, and dignitaries began the process of delivering thousands of gifts to children in need in the Granite State.

For the 66th year, Operation Santa Claus, the holiday charitable initiative by the SEA/SEIU 1984, the retirees and volunteers of the largest unions in the state, fulfilled the holiday wishes of more than 3,100 children.

Early Tuesday morning, trucks were loaded up to deliver gifts in time for Christmas.

Each year, state employees, retirees, and others commit to purchasing presents, clothing, and gift cards for the children designated by the state health department as in need. The goal is to ensure each child has at least two packages for the holiday.

For the second year in a row, Gov. Kelly Ayotte was on hand with Lisa Weaver, the commissioner of the NH DHHS, Maj. Gen. David J. Mikolaities of the NHNG, and Rich Gulla, the president of the union, to load up the trucks.

Gulla said it was a year-long event for the state employees involved, who host bake sales, raffles, a 5K, and other fundraising initiatives to support the program.

Ayotte thanked the employees, Gulla, and organizer Heather Wood for all their work supporting the program and bringing joy to children during the holiday season.

To donate to the 2026 effort, visit the Operation Santa Claus website.

Also Read

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• Christmas Gifts Are Heading To 2,900 NH Kids In Need: Video
• NH Developer, Concord Kiwanis Save Christmas For Kids In Need
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