TAYLOR, Pa. — The sounds of Christmas mark another successful mission for workers and soldiers of the Tobyhanna Army Depot, bringing Operation Santa Claus to another group of children in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
"Operation Santa Claus started almost 50 years ago and we've been doing the parties for disabilities, and the kids just have a great time," said Rose Gesell, also known as Mrs. Claus.
She has been involved with the special day since she was 19. Having family members with special needs, she says it's an event she always looks forward to.
"I turned 67 this year, and I've been doing Mrs. Santa and Operation Santa Claus all that time. I have grandchildren with disabilities, and this just warms my heart to see them having a great time," said Gesell.
From meeting holiday characters to dancing the afternoon away, students from Carbondale Area, Pittston Area, and Old Forge enjoyed the escape from school inside the catering hall at Lucca Restaurant in Taylor.
"Oh, we're serving chicken tenders and homemade mac and cheese," said Lucca owner Tori Krappa.
This is the first year Lucca's held the event, something they were happy to do for free.
"We said we'd be more than happy to do the event; this is just such a wonderful, wonderful cause, wonderful kids, and great people," said Krappa.
"They're just so happy to be here. They are so happy to get on the bus knowing that they're going to see Christmas characters, listen to Christmas music," said autistic support teacher at Pittston Area, Amanda Lombardo.
She says the event is a great way to help the kids get into the holiday spirit.
"It gives them a chance to get out into the community a little bit more. And have some fun and have like a little Christmas get-together," said Lombardo.
The next mission for Operation Santa Claus will be a teddy bear toss at the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins game at Mohegan Sun Arena on December 14th.