‘We operate on behalf of Santa’

Costa Mesa firefighters worked on Santa Claus’ behalf Christmas Eve, putting big smiles on the faces of poor children for an eighth year.

“This is my way to give thanks for being a firefighter and for the opportunity to serve my community,” said Todd Palombo, a Costa Mesa fire paramedic, who started the program. “We operate on behalf of Santa. We know he’s very busy this time of the year.”

The firefighters and Councilwoman Katrina Foley visited the Heritage House, on Shalimar Drive, and the Tern Inn and Motor Inn.

These were among the stops they made in Costa Mesa to give the children something to feel good about at a festive time and a sense of hope for better days.

Firefighters’ children accompanied their parents on the ride, helping them hand the gifts to their less fortunate counterparts.

As the firefighters’ children gathered to take toys to the Motor Inn, where many homeless children live, Palombo told them: “If you see a child in there, give them a toy. This is the time to give and share.”

Palombo, 44, said his department receives letters that were sent to the post office, letters from children that were sent to Santa. Most of the requests are for basic needs like food, clothes and shoes.

The firefighters also identify families in need when they go out on calls, Palombo said.

The children got toys, as well as clothes and food.

Foley, who delivered the gifts for her second year with the firefighters, couldn’t hold back her tears, as she walked away after giving a third-grade girl toys, food and clothes.

“This was a hard one,” Foley said.