AUXILIARY PLAYS SANTA AT CG STATION CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR, CA

Santa Clause-Auxiliarist Tom Shaw being helped off the patrol boat with the Cutter Blacktip in the foreground.

MKC Christian Wilson happily doing the barbecuing.

December 12 was a beautiful day in the harbor, temperature hovering around 70 degrees, calm seas, and a perfect setting for a barbecue party celebrating the holiday season. Coast Guard Station Channel Islands personnel invited all the members of Auxiliary Division 7 to attend the barbecue together with all of the stations families. The families of the USCG Cutter Blacktip's crew were also in attendance.

 The station personnel prepared the barbecue for the over seventy at the party. Chief Petty Officer Christian Wilson, USCG, had a ball barbecuing and the crew enjoyed serving all of the goodies.

The Coast Guard Station crew outfitted the 41' Patrol Boat for our Santa Clause, Auxiliarist Tom Shaw, to arrive at the station docks. All were looking on as the children met Santa Clause bearing gifts for the children.

The children had an opportunity to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas. Then the children received the gifts while sitting on Santa's lap. The gifts were a big hit with the children; Tom did a wonderful job and enjoyed every moment. Tom Shaw is a member of Flotilla 71 Santa Barbara, CA.

BMC Kevin Bentel with wife Crystal and son Chase.

Division 7 Auxiliarists participating in the festivities with Santa.

The gift giving is a yearly custom of Division 7 with member's chipping in and paying for the gifts to station personnel's children. The gifts were personally picked out and wrapped for each child, based on age and gender, by Shirley Goldman of Flotilla 74.

This year was no exception to the excitement of the children receiving their gifts and the comradeship between the active duty and the Auxiliary. With great weather, a fantastic lunch, and many happy children a great time was had by all.

What else can you ask for?

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Decorating the Patrol Boat for Santa	LT William McGhee decorating the tree	SN Dominique Wiggins giving Santa her wish list.

WRH ~ 12/25/10