SANTA SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER BY FLYING TO LOCAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

(Van Nuys, CA)- More than 500 students at Van Nuys' Gault Street Elementary School are in store for a special treat today when Santa flies in by helicopter to extend holiday greetings to the children. The event, an annual celebration sponsored by Van Nuys Airport's Adopt-A-School program, begins at 9:45 a.m. and features holiday gifts, live entertainment and some very recognizable mascots.

"This festivity is part of our award-winning educational program and a great way to expose kids to aviation," said Van Nuys Airport Manager Selena Birk. "We also offer airport tours, and for those unable to visit the airport, we offer traveling slide show programs about Van Nuys Airport for all ages."

Accompanied by a topnotch ground crew that includes Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, Santa will land on the school's playground with a generous supply of presents. Each participating student will receive a special Van Nuys Airport mug, school supplies and assorted holiday treats. Prior to Santa's arrival, a special feature of the program will be a live presentation of authentic North American Indian dances by the Eagle Spirit Dancers.

All children are entered into a drawing for prizes of gift certificates and tickets donated by local businesses and attractions including Disneyland, Sea World, Movieland Wax Museum, the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum, Los Angeles Zoo, Sherman Oaks Castle Park Miniature Golf, Universal Studios, Target, Mervyn's and others.