Nearly 400 pupils from Gault Street Elementary School received a surprise visit from Santa Claus in mid-December as VNY held its Adopt-A-School program and holiday celebration.

After arriving in the LAPD Santa Sleigh, Claus and his companions, including a snowman and reindeer, distributed gifts from VNY to the pupils.

The children learned about the exciting world of aviation and the vital role it plays in the community. The event also included a visit from VNY’s mascot Vinny.

“As the father of a student at Gault, I cannot stress enough how much the Santa visit means to the kids, and how much the parents appreciate the support that VNY supplies to the school each year,” said Torr Leonard, chairman of the school site council. “It makes me very happy to have VNY as such a great neighbor here in the San Fernando Valley!"