Christmas comes early for children in Alaskan Native community

Christmas came early for children in an Alaskan Native community in the north of the state, as the state National Guard helped Santa deliver gifts in November. A giant HC-130J aircraft delivered Santa and his helpers to the Hopper School in Nuiqsut. He was welcomed by mayor Rosemary Ahtuangaruak and school staff before delivering snacks, books and other gifts to the excited schoolchildren. The visit was part of Operation Santa Claus, an annual mission by the Alaska National Guard and Salvation Army to visit three Alaskan Native villages.