SANTA ANA, Calif. — In Melissa Vega’s job, tears come with the territory.

In the days leading up to Christmas, Orange County’s Operation Santa Claus is pushing to get every child and teenager already receiving county services a present. Celebrating 60 years in operation, the service provided more than 19,000 gifts last year.

For their caregivers, some of whom have limited or no money for gifts, the response can be emotional.

“We’ve had caregivers cry in our warehouse because they’re so overwhelmed and thankful to be able to provide the children in their care gifts,” Vega, who is the administrative manager of Operation Santa Claus, said.

The gift collection service provides items for children in programs like foster care, supplying them with a gift that can brighten their day or even an item of need.

Each parent or legal guardian can pick out five items from the warehouse at 1505 East Warner Ave. in Santa Ana. Caregivers can pick two toys, a board game, an article of clothing and either a book or a stuffed animal.

But many of the gifts that come into county donation bins, usually starting around Nov. 15, are for younger children. Vega said teenagers are vastly underrepresented, requiring her to go out and purchase age-appropriate gifts for them.

“We don’t think about how a three-pack of deodorant would be great,” said Jaime Cargo, Orange County spokesperson for community and government relations. “It doesn’t have to be something expensive.” 

Operation Santa Claus looks for items like nail polish, headphones and skateboards — gifts it doesn’t receive enough.

The program continues to grow to meet demand. While its catchy name and primary donation season are set up around the holidays, the county accepts donations the entire year and looks for ways to donate no matter the month.

Last year, the county collected about 24,000 gifts and partnered with 142 organizations and businesses. This year, Vega is expecting to surpass 28,000 items with 160 partners.

The county operates a second service, Senior Santa and Friends, which delivers items like walkers or wheelchairs to senior citizens. That program, celebrating 30 years this season, distributes about 1,100 gifts.

“This is what we work for all year. It makes all the hard work well worth it,” Vega said.