Tuesday evening, approximately 350 first responder vehicles lined up across Ohio to spread holiday cheer to some of the state’s most special residents as part of Operation Santa’s Sleigh 2025.
The statewide event took place in nine cities, with caravans visiting children’s hospitals in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo; the Ohio Veterans Homes in Georgetown and Sandusky; and VA inpatient medical centers in Chillicothe, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Dayton.
Comprised entirely of first responders, the procession featured flashing lights as a visible reminder to communities statewide that patients, veterans, and their families are remembered during the holiday season.
Organizers say the illuminated caravans also symbolically “lit the way” for Santa and his crew ahead of Christmas Eve.
Operation Santa’s Sleigh is organized by Light Ohio Blue, in partnership with the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the International Association of Firefighters, the State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, and hundreds of local public safety agencies.
In Columbus, participating agencies gathered at Bishop Hartley High School prior to the caravan to Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
A brief ceremony was held, and first responders collected toys, food, household goods, personal care items, and gift cards.
All donated items were delivered to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio, supporting families staying near hospitalized children during the holidays.
Among those taking part were Bellefontaine Police Department’s DARE Officer Chiles and his therapy dog, Raven, who were honored to participate in Operation Light Ohio Blue 2025.
Sergeant Morgan Styles from the Russells Point Police Department also joined, along with hundreds of first responders from across the state, in the special mission.
