GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – Typically at LifeSouth Community Blood Centers’ Operation Santa Delivery, children of all ages are treated to the jolly old man arriving on the north field of Santa Fe College by way of ShandsCair helicopter.

This year, Santa had to pivot. While the threat of wind and rain tried to put a damper on St. Nick’s arrival on Saturday, Santa switched gears, hopped into the passenger’s seat of a ShandsCair ambulance, and made a slightly less dramatic entrance.

Due to the weather threat, Santa opted for land-based sleigh rather than the ShandsCair helicopter he was supposed to arrive in. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
Ellis and his mom were so excited to see Santa. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
LifeSouth had its bus available for those who wished to donate blood. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
Newberry Animal Hospital was there representing Santa’s reindeer. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
Alachua County Fire Rescue invited kids and grownups to check out their impressive fire engine. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
Alachua County Fire Rescue personnel gave tours of their fire engine. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
Silas had his festive glasses on for the event. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
Sun Country had its Gym Bus there for kids to explore. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
There were plenty of crafts to keep the kids busy. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
Santa Fe College Police were standing by in case any Santa fanatics got out of control. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today

“There was some concern this year about whether to proceed with the event due to the nasty forecast,” says Laura Bialeck, LifeSouth’s District Community Development Coordinator. “The director of ShandsCair and I kept in close contact for the 24 hours leading up to the event. Fortunately, almost all of the vendors attended, and I think the crowd attendance was quite strong, even with the impending storm.”

Bialeck further explained that ShandsCair ultimately made the decision to not fly the helicopter for safety reasons, and to also transport Santa in an ambulance earlier than anticipated.

“It actually turned out to be a good move since it did begin to rain at noon,” Bialeck said. “Santa had multiple stops and had to leave once it began to rain. However, every child that was in line was able to get their picture taken with Santa before he left.”

“All in all, I think the event worked out well,” Bialeck said even though the event ended earlier than its usual time of 1 p.m.

Bialeck says Operation Santa Delivery made its debut in 2006, her first year with LifeSouth. She invites you to mark your calendar for Dec. 7, 2024, as LifeSouth has set next year’s date with fingers crossed that the weather is more cooperative.

The kids loved grabbing a candy cane after visiting with Santa Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
Snowie Gator of Florida made Santa feel right at home with icy treats. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
Some were thinking of adopting a new family member for Christmas. Courtesy: Mr. Bob/93.7 K-Country
These two spun sugar into cotton candy to keep the kids’ energy high. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
The kids had fun making ornaments. Courtesy: Mr. Bob/93.7 K-Country
Katie and her son, Ellis, had fun with Santa and all of the vendors. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
A representative from the Early Learning Coalition had one of the prettiest ugly Christmas sweaters ever. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
A nod to September 11th is embroidered into the driver’s side seat of the Alachua County Fire Rescue engine. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today