As the holiday season approaches, Junior Ortiz, an assistant Palmerton wrestling coach, is again spearheading local efforts for the Fourth Annual Operation Santa Claus, a heartwarming gift drive for families in the Children & Youth system.

Ortiz, who himself experienced the challenges of the foster care system, is on a mission to ensure that children facing similar circumstances can enjoy a memorable Christmas.

“As someone who was a foster kid, this cause is near and dear to my heart,” Ortiz said. “This program is what helped me to have some type of Christmas when I was a kid. If you are able, please think about picking a child from the list and helping out. It means more than you could ever imagine.”

Ortiz initiated his involvement in “Operation Santa Claus” through the Lehigh County Children and Youth Services department. The program aims to collect presents for children from infants to 17-year-olds. Drawing on his personal experiences as a foster child, Ortiz took it upon himself to extend the outreach to the communities of Palmerton and Northern Lehigh.

To participate, individuals can sign up through a Google Docs form (https://bitly.ws/33YA5). The process ensures that each child is accounted for and avoids duplicates. All gifts should be dropped off at Rat Pack Fighting Systems or the Palmerton Area School District weight room, underneath Bomber Stadium, by Dec. 6.

Gifts should not be wrapped, but should be dropped off in a festive bag with each child’s name and number on it for identification.

Any questions can be directed to familyholidaygiftdrive@gmail.com.