LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) hosted its annual Santa Fly-In events at Los Angeles International (LAX) and Van Nuys (VNY) airports this past weekend, where children and families gathered for up-close views of aircraft, holiday-themed activities, and a chance to meet and greet Santa. Over 1,200 community members attended the two events, and supported toy donation drives benefitting the Westchester and Mid Valley Family YMCAs.
“LAWA is thrilled to bring together over 1,200 members of our community to celebrate the season in a fun and meaningful way,” said Nicole Carcel, Director of Community Relations at Los Angeles World Airports. “Santa Fly-In is a highlight of the year for us, and we are grateful to be able to offer families a unique opportunity to experience the magic of the airport and the joy of the holidays.”
The activities at each event location included tours of various aircraft and the airfield, engagement with therapy dogs from the LAX PUPs (Pets Unstressing Passengers) Program, airplane ornament decorating, 360-degree and print-out photo booths, and story time with Santa. Kris Kringle made his highly anticipated grand entrance at LAX and VNY by landing on the airfield with his reindeer and elves in a Cessna 182. At the LAX event, which took place on the airfield next to the Flight Path Museum & Learning Center, attendees were able to climb inside a DHL Cargo plane and a commercial plane provided by Alaska Airlines. At VNY, a helicopter provided by Helinet, and aircraft provided by Clay Lacy, the Condor Squadron, LA Flight Academy and Corsair were on display for community members.
On behalf of its partners at the Westchester and Mid Valley Family YMCAs, LAWA collected hundreds of new and unused toys for children of all ages, to help make the holiday season brighter for families in need. The annual toy drives also received generous support from airport tenants and partners at LAX and VNY, who provided donations and engaged with attendees at the events.
“We’re so grateful for the overwhelming support from our community, sponsors and volunteers to make this year’s Santa Fly-In a heartwarming success,” said Jacob Haik, Van Nuys Airport Manager. “Every toy donated today goes to a child in need and helps us make a difference this holiday season.”
“We’re proud to partner with Van Nuys Airport to host an event that brings the community together to celebrate the holiday season while supporting such a meaningful cause,” said Lionnel Zaragoza, Senior Vice President YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. “Thank you to all who joined and donated to support families in need.”