12-23-2025 11:49pm

Operation Santa’s Sleigh Lighting Up the Holidays at Ohio Children’s Hospitals and Veterans Hospitals

Beth Callahan Editor

COLUMBUS -- Earlier this evening, approximately 350 first responder vehicles lined up to spread holiday cheer to some of the most special Ohioans.

Operation Santa’s Sleigh events took place in nine cities – at children’s hospitals located in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Toledo; the state Veterans Homes in Georgetown and Sandusky; and the VA in-patient Medical Centers located in Chillicothe, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Dayton. The events were solely comprised of first responders, who turned on their lights as a way of letting communities across the state know they are remembered this holiday season, and to light the way for Santa and his crew who will be arriving tomorrow night.

Operation Santa's Sleigh 2025 is a statewide event by Light Ohio Blue and our partners at the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association, Ohio State Highway Patrol, International Association of Firefighters, State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police and hundreds of public safety agencies.

Prior to the caravan to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus agencies gathered at Bishop Hartley High School for a brief ceremony and to gather toys, food, household items, personal care items and gift cards. All donated items were taken to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.