Operation Santa Claus (OSC) is a year-round donation program dedicated to providing new gifts and toys to children in foster care in Orange County, California. Additionally, OSC offers gifts to children from low-income families who are receiving assistance from the County of Orange.
Approved by the Orange County Board of Supervisors, OSC is the official toy drive for the county. The program presently organizes two main events each year: Operation Summer Claus and the OSC holiday season, both aimed to consistently give back to the community. Last year, the program successfully distributed over 27,000 new toys and gifts, spreading joy and hope to some of the county's most vulnerable children who might otherwise have gone without. All gifts are offered to the recipients free of charge.
OSC is managed by the County of Orange Social Services Agency, with the invaluable support of community volunteers. Each year, about 1,300 hours are donated by big-hearted volunteers from County agencies and the local community, who have been essential to OSC's success since its inception.
Over the decades, the program has experience substantial growth. What started as a small effort to support the needs of a handful of children in 1962 has evolved into a major community event. This achievement is made possible through the generosity and collaborative effort of County of Orange employees, community and faith-based organizations, schools, businesses, and individuals in the community, all of whom play a vital role in gathering gifts and contributing monetary donations and gift cards.
Senior Santa and Friends is a year-round donation program dedicated to delivering gifts and special request items to low-income older adults and dependent adults. The recipients are clients of the County of Orange Social Services Agency and the Orange County Health Care Agency.
Since its establishment in 1992, SSF has aimed to improve the quality of life for its clients by supplying essential necessities and durable medical equipment, enabling them to live a more manageable, comfortable, and independent lifestyle.
In 2023, SSF provided over 2,100 gifts to this vulnerable population. This was largely due to the efforts of volunteers and donations received from County employees, private companies, community-based organizations and individual donors throughout the year.
Donation Information
Angel Tags
Participating in an Angel Tag gift initiative can serve as an excellent alternative to your traditional gift exchange. Additionally, it can effectively complement a donation drive.
Both OSC and SSF offer Angel Tags, which list gift ideas for children or seniors who are in need of a present. These tags can be displayed on trees, bulletin boards or walls, allowing individuals to select one or many and take it along while shopping. They are available in assorted bundles that include three categories: in-kind gifts, gift cards and monetary contributions. The tags are general and not assigned to specific individuals. Each order of Angel Tags will be accompanied by an informational package.
Monetary Donations
Monetary donations such as cash, checks and gift cards are essential to the success of our programs. These tax-deductible donations enable OSC and SSF to purchase gifts and other specially requested items for children, teenagers, seniors and dependent adults.
For your convenience you can donate online at:
Operation Santa Claus: ssa.ocgov.com/DonateOSC
Senior Santa & Friends: ssa.ocgov.com/DonateSSF
Please note that each program has a separate account. We kindly request that any cash and/or gift card donations include a note specifying the intended program, if possible.
Checks can be made payable to: Operation Santa Claus or Senior Santa and Friends. Monetary donations can be mailed to:
Social Services Agency
Operation Santa Claus
P.O. Box 1077
Santa Ana, CA 92702-1077
In-Kind Gifts
New, unwrapped gifts are welcomed for foster youth ranging from newborns to 22 years old, as well as older and dependent adults.
In-kind donations are accepted throughout the year. From January to October, drop-offs are by appointment only to ensure a team member is available to assist you. Please contact us via email or phone to schedule your visit.
Beginning in mid-November, OSC/SSF donation boxes are placed throughout Orange County at various libraries, Social Services Agency regional offices and partnered businesses for your convenience.
For suggestions on the most desired and needed gifts, kindly click the link below:
Suggested Gifts
Tax Deductible
All donations are tax deductible. Individuals who donate to either program will receive a receipt letter at the beginning of the next month. To obtain a donation letter, please provide your name and address on any correspondence. Additionally, information can be recorded in our donation log when items are delivered to our facility.
Volunteers play a crucial role in the daily operation of both programs and are welcomed to assist throughout the year. The peak demand periods occur during the Operation Summer Claus event in June and July, as well as before, during, and after the holiday season. From January to November, volunteer opportunities are scheduled in-house.
Volunteer sign-ups for the holiday season begin mid to late-November and is conducted online via the SignUpGenius website. Interested individuals and/or businesses are encouraged to contact us to be added to a waiting list for notification once the volunteer calendar becomes active and accessible. Due to safety reasons, volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
Contact Information
Operation Santa Claus: (714) 679-2438
operationsantaclaus@ssa.ocgov.com
Senior Santa & Friends: (714) 825-3111
senior.santa@ssa.ocgov.com
Mailing Address:
Social Services Agency
Operation Santa Claus
PO Box 1077
Santa Ana, CA 92702-1077
