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"Miracle on Ice! Watch as Santa-Clad Marines Brave the Arctic to Bring Joy to Alaskan Fox!"

Published: 25-12-2022 10:25

Santa-dressed Marines from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve have been using snowmobiles and aircraft to help deliver toys and gifts to Fox, a remote community in Alaska, for the Toys for Tots program.

In a heartwarming effort made possible by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots program, Santa-dressed Marines have taken to snowmobiles and aircraft to deliver toys and gifts to Fox, an isolated town in Alaska.

The Marines have partnered with local volunteers from the Fairbanks North Star Borough’s Department of Emergency Services to help spread holiday cheer throughout Fox’s remote villages in Interior Alaska. The volunteers pilot their own planes while the Marines ride their snowmobiles through the rugged terrain of the area, bringing toys and gifts to children who may not receive them otherwise due to the region’s remoteness.

"It's a great feeling," said Sgt. Maj Jeffery Schmeider of 3rd Platoon, 7th Marine Regiment, who was dressed as Santa Claus during one of these trips out into remote villages this past weekend. "It's amazing that we can bring a little bit of joy into children's lives."

The mission is part of Operation Santa Drop—a tradition started by the USMC Reserve over 60 years ago aimed at bringing holiday cheer to communities in need all across the country—and it has become an annual occurrence in Fox since 2009. In addition to providing toys, the USMC Reserve also flew out meals for families and fresh Christmas trees donated by local businesses so that residents could decorate their homes for the holidays despite living in such a remote location.

"We are so thankful for our partnership with USMC Reserve," said Abigail Smith, director of emergency services for Fairbanks North Star Borough. "They are able to reach areas that we normally wouldn't be able to access with our limited resources."

The USMC Reserve has been helping spread holiday cheer throughout Alaska with Operation Santa Drop since 1952, delivering toys and gifts not just via snowmobile and airplane but also via helicopter and canine sled teams as well. Their selfless act of kindness is truly making Christmas come early this year for many families across America—especially those living in Fox!