Santa Claus hugs a community member of Circle, Alaska, after arriving on board an Alaska Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk to deliver gifts to the children during Operation Santa Claus, Nov. 6, 2024. Operation Santa Claus, a longstanding annual community outreach program of the AKNG, has provided gifts such as toys, backpacks, and books to children in remote Alaskan communities since 1956. The program partners with the Salvation Army and numerous volunteers to spread holiday cheer, continuing its tradition of support. Circle, Alaska, was selected for this year’s mission due to severe flooding that recently impacted the community. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)