RELEASE – Santa and Mrs. Claus Flew into the Reno-Tahoe International Airport Today

The Jolly Couple Landed in Style on a C-130 Aircraft to Support Local Families

RENO, Nev. (Dec. 9, 2023) – For the ninth year, the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) hosted Operation Santa Claus, an opportunity for the airport to showcase the heart of aviation to the community, benefiting The Children’s Cabinet.

This event provided a heartwarming celebration for 26 families through generous donations from the airport, aviation groups, local businesses, and individuals to create a magical holiday experience at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO).

“It was great to see the holiday spirit take-off today at RNO,” said Daren Griffin, President/CEO, Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority. “A number of organizations in the community help us bring this event to life each year and we are grateful for their continued support.”

Families enjoyed photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, games, and family fun inside the Atlantic Aviation hangar, which was transformed into a winter wonderland. As visitors enjoyed hot chocolate, the Paws4Passengers therapy dogs were onsite to provide some joyful tail wags.

“Operation Santa Claus embodies the magic of giving and community spirit. The Children’s Cabinet is honored to join hands with the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority and our generous supporters for the ninth year,” said Kim Young, Chief Executive Officer of The Children’s Cabinet. “This heartwarming celebration not only brings joy to families but also highlights the power of collective kindness. The Children’s Cabinet is dedicated to bringing warmth and support to families in need, and events like Operation Santa Claus amplify the spirit of giving that defines the holiday season.”

Families were also treated to a gymnastics performance by Flips Gymnastics, ROTC demonstration by North Valleys Highschool, and a parade of planes coordinated by the Reno Tahoe Aviation Group.

Please see photos from the event here.

Ways to support The Children’s Cabinet:

Donations to support The Children’s Cabinet can be made online at childrenscabinet.org/donate.

Please note: The Children’s Cabinet has adopted all of the families they have capacity for this year.

About The Children’s Cabinet

Established in Reno 1985, The Children’s Cabinet exists to keep children safe and families together by offering services and resources that address unmet needs. The organization represents a unique and effective collaboration between the private sector and public agencies in Nevada. The Children’s Cabinet helps more than 10,000 families annually with a wide range of services: basic needs, child care resources, education, work experience programs, crisis intervention, and family counseling. As a non-profit agency, The Children’s Cabinet relies on community support to provide programs and services at no charge to children and their families.

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The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) operates two of the most important economic drivers for our region–the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and the Reno-Stead Airport (RTS). The RTAA is financially self-sufficient, meaning it is funded through airport operations and not state or local taxes. Twelve airlines serve RNO, flying to multiple nonstop destinations throughout the United States and Mexico. For more details, visit www.renoairport.com.