For Immediate Release
Dec. 16, 2022
Contact:
VNY Public Relations
(818) 442-6526
SANTA SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER TO MORE THAN 500 STUDENTS DURING VAN NUYS AIRPORT'S ADOPT-A-SCHOOL EVENT
(Van Nuys) More than 500 students from Stagg Street Elementary were treated to an early visit from one of the world's most famous aviators when he arrived on a Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) fire truck during the annual Van Nuys Airport (VNY) Adopt-A-School event on Friday.
"Santa left his reindeer and sled behind today, and instead arrived at our Adopt-A-School event on a red fire engine to surprise and delight these young students," said Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). "Every holiday season we look forward to celebrating with students in our local community, and this annual tradition is a wonderful opportunity to spread holiday spirit and create lasting memories."
Acting Van Nuys Airport Manager Paul Herrera welcomed the students and helped kick off a holiday concert performance from Kiddle Karoo. Van Nuys Airport mascot Vinny, and the famous airport therapy dogs from LAX's Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUPs) program also participated.
But Santa was the star of the show when he greeted students, ranging from kindergarten to fifth-grade, on the school playground and then read the Clement Clarke Moore poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas," better known as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." He stayed to take photos with the children before heading off for more holiday preparations.
The Adopt-A-School event is one of the many community events Van Nuys Airport participates in throughout the year.
VNY is one of two airports owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), a self-supporting branch of the City of Los Angeles, governed by a seven-member Board of Airport Commissioners who are appointed by the mayor and approved by the Los Angeles City Council.
One of the world's busiest general aviation airports, VNY serves as a valued San Fernando Valley resource, providing ongoing leadership in general aviation, business and community service. Dedicated to noncommercial air travel, VNY had over 232,000 operations in 2020. More than 200 businesses are located on the 730-acre airport, including four major fixed-base operators and numerous aviation service companies. Annually, the airport contributes approximately $2 billion to the Southern California economy and supports over 10,000 jobs. In addition, VNY provides programs to benefit local residents, along with educational initiatives and aviation-related career and training opportunities. For more information, visit iflyvny.com, like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/VNYOfficial, follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
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