Operation Santa’s Sleigh to Bring Holiday Cheer to Children’s and Veterans Hospitals Across Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio — First responders across Ohio will once again spread holiday cheer later this month during Operation Santa’s Sleigh, a statewide event benefiting children’s hospitals and veterans hospitals.

The event, organized by Light Ohio Blue, will take place Tuesday, December 23 at 6:00 p.m. and will occur simultaneously in 9 cities across Ohio.

Locally, the media event will begin at Bishop Hartley High School, located at 1285 Zettler Road in Columbus. From there, a caravan of decorated public safety vehicles will travel to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, with lights activated as a sign of support and remembrance during the holiday season.

Operation Santa’s Sleigh is supported by partners including the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association, Ohio State Highway Patrol, International Association of Firefighters, and the State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, along with hundreds of participating public safety agencies statewide. A vehicle decoration contest will also be part of the festivities.

In addition to children’s hospitals, first responders will visit Ohio Veterans Homes in Georgetown and Sandusky, as well as VA inpatient medical centers in Chillicothe, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Dayton.

Organizers say the event is designed to let patients know they are remembered during the holidays and to reassure children that first responders are “lighting the way” for Santa’s arrival the following night.

Participating agencies are encouraged to drop off toys, food, household items, personal care items, and gift cards at Bishop Hartley High School on December 23. All donated items will be delivered to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. Organizers note the donation site is not open to the public.

Operation Santa’s Sleigh is exclusively comprised of first responders and continues to grow each year as a symbol of statewide unity and support during the holiday season.