Operation Santa Claus

A local veterans group has launched this year's Operation Santa Claus. North Central Washington Vets Serving Vets is filling the void after the local Toys For Tots program ended when the Marine Corps League Detachment in Wenatchee disbanded. Local vet Doug Heimbigner co-chairs the project. Right now, they need toy donations and a list of families in need.  If you know a family that needs the assistance of Operation Santa Claus, call 885-0993  For spanish speaking families, call 885-2754

Donate cash or new toys for kids 12 and under at these Wenatchee locations; Operation Santa Headquarters located at 800 South Columbia Street in Wenatchee.  The NCW Vets Serving Vets Bunker in the Harle Center at 1250 N. Wenatchee Ave.  Veterans Hall at 512 S. Chelan Ave.  American Legion at 208 N. Wenatchee Ave.  Or the VFW Post 3617, 211 11th St. NE, East Wenatchee.

Collection Barrels (toys only) are located at; Chelan PUD Main Office, Doug Co. Fire #2 Station, Hooked On Toys, Shopko, Bi-Mart and Go! Calendars Games & Toys in Wenatchee Valley Mall

Heimbigner says NCW Vets Serving Vets is a 501 (c)( 3) organization and will provide a receipt for those making monetary donations.  Last year, about 450 families were served and Heimbigner's goal this year is to double that figure.