Ross County, OH – Local law enforcement and community groups are teaming up to bring holiday cheer to area veterans through Operation Santa’s Sleigh, a first responders parade and gift drive taking place December 23 at 7 p.m. at the Chillicothe VA Medical Center.
According to the Ross County Sheriff’s Office, the event is organized in partnership with Light Ohio Blue to honor veterans with a festive parade and special deliveries from Santa himself. Donations collected ahead of the event will help fill Santa’s sleigh with gifts for local veterans.
Community members are encouraged to donate items such as coloring books, paint-by-number kits, crossword and word-find puzzles, journals, warm throw blankets, and hospital grippy socks. Items will be accepted through 4 p.m. on Monday, December 15, at the Ross County Law Enforcement Complex, located at 28 N. Paint Street in Chillicothe.
All donated items will be gift-wrapped by local 4-H groups before Santa and first responders deliver them during the December 23 parade.
Sheriff George W. Lavender Jr. expressed appreciation for the ongoing support, encouraging residents to “help fill Santa’s sleigh” and make the holidays brighter for veterans at the VA Medical Center.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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