On December 22 and 23 of last year, Santa Claus visited WorkSource Everett for the fifth consecutive year and distributed toys to an estimated 1,300 deserving children from throughout Snohomish County in Washington State. 

The event was coordinated by the WorkSource Everett Veteran's unit staff, which worked in partnership with the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, Arlington Boys and Girls Club and the Alderwood Terrace Rotary Club. Those organizations provided more than 1,500 gifts.

In addition to the efforts of the Veterans Unit and other WorkSource Everett staff, this year's toy distribution project benefited from significant contributions by many others. 

Jeff Santana and Allan Dawkins, two men enrolled in the Snohomish County Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project -- A program overseen by the Snohomish County Workforce Development Council and managed by the WorkSource Everett veterans unit -- assisted families and staff throughout the two-day event.

The crowds were huge and just about everyone from Santa to Santana, and Dawkins, lent a helping hand to ensure record-setting success.

"It was exciting," said Santana, a 24-year old Navy veteran seeking employment in shipping and receiving. "I was having fun seeing all the kids. They were happy." 

Santana and Dawkins helped direct traffic as children and their families poured in to the WorkSource Everett office and lined up for a chance to visit with Santa.

"This felt good," said Dawkins, a 45-year old Coast Guard veteran. "It kind of took me back to when my own child was a little girl." 

In addition to each child receiving a special gift from Santa and his helper's, many of the parents were quietly provided with clothing, books and games for their children.

Patrick Martinez is the LVER who heads the WorkSource Everett Veterans Unit and is the driving force behind the annual event.

"We want to thank the homeless veterans, the vet reps, the work study students, the donor organizations and others who volunteered to participate," Martinez said. "It's been an even bigger success than any of the previous years. Without the partnerships the veterans unit has developed over the years, none of this would be possible. We were very happy we could bring smiles and gifts to the children and their parents."

Other Veterans Unit staff supporting Santa's visit included Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists Greg Lindvig and Bob Mortenson; Homeless Specialists Sandie Moske and Jose Sadile; Program Assistant Jason Allen, and VA Workstudy Thomas Mooney.

Additionally, two very special volunteers in red suits, Workforce Investment Act case manager Fred Siple and community volunteer Dan Hughes, made this event a success.

"You see so many happy people," Siple said. "It just feels great."

At one point on the second day of the toy distribution, a small child jumped down from Santa's lap and hurried away excitedly with a new toy. Suddenly, the child stopped and evoked laughter from the crowd when he called back to the bearded fellow: "Bye Mister Ho-ho-ho!"

"That's why we do this," Martinez said with a smile.