Santa, sans reindeer, to make special appearance

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and Santa Claus is coming to town. He is coming to campus, in fact, as he has done previously for 11 years in a row, bringing gifts and happiness to the elderly and to disabled children. On December 14th, Santa will make a special appearance at the Annenberg School for Communication -- bringing together around 50 senior citizens from three area nursing homes and about 50 mentally and physically challenged children -- for the 12th Annual Operation Santa Claus. "Most of these people are forgotten around the holidays. They have outlived their families or their families don't have time to spend with them, and they look forward to this event every year," said Yvonne Oronzio, the executive secretary to Associate Vice President of Finance Frank Claus -- no relation to Santa -- and coordinator of Operation Santa Claus. "It really makes them feel like they're special." The group will share in a holiday luncheon featuring a magic show and a singing performance by Penn Performance Coordinator of Music Regina Christian. Attendees will, of course, meet the guest of honor. And Santa is not expected to show up empty-handed. Last year, he brought over 800 gifts for the adults and children in his customary red sack, including toys, games and clothing. But surprisingly, the gifts did not come from the North Pole. Penn students, staff and faculty members collect the presents that Santa distributes and even raise money for all of the food and festivities. This year, Santa will need more help than ever before. Since the Faculty Club, the traditional venue for the event, moved last spring from Skinner Hall to the Inn at Penn, Oronzio was forced to find another site for Operation Santa Claus. The Annenberg School donated space for the party, but was unable to provide the tables, chairs, place settings and silverware that were readily available during previous years at the Faculty Club. "All of the things I took for granted I now have to buy or rent," said Oronzio, who is currently accepting monetary donations and wrapped gifts in the Franklin Building for the event. "There is so much more to pay for." Items topping the wish list, Oronzio said, are sweatsuits, thermalwear, perfume, cologne, games, Beanie Babies and Barbie dolls. "The residents realize that people are genuinely giving around the holidays, no matter what their religions are," said Yevette Odom, director of recreation at the Penn Center for Rehabilitation and Care. "The residents are always touched by the event -- many with tears in their eyes at people's kindness." With the participation of the entire Penn community and the anticipated appearance of Santa, Oronzio said, it could prove to be the most wonderful time of the year for some area seniors and children. "The holiday couldn't be complete without sharing with others," she said. "It just wouldn't feel right."

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