Lovers gather around Southern California men who volunteered for Operation Santa for decades after losing their homes in the Palisade fire.
Philip Alderton spent many Christmas holidays dressed to Santa Claus, bringing gifts and cheers to underprivileged children in the Pasadena and Altadena regions for over 30 years.
When the Palisade fire ignited on January 7th, he quickly evacuated Palisade’s mobile home in the Pacific Ocean, and escaped safely without knowing what would remain when he returned.
Philip Alderton spent many Christmas holidays in the Altadena and Pasadena communities delivering gifts to the underprivileged children of Operation Santa for over 30 years. (KTLA) Philip Alderton spent more than 30 years in the Altadena and Pasadena communities delivering gifts to underprivileged children of Operation Santa for over 30 years. (KTLA) Philip Alderton returned to investigate the tile ble rub of his destroyed mobile home at Pacific Pallisard on February 8, 2025. 2025 (KTLA) Philip Alderton returned to investigate the tile ble of his destroyed mobile home in Pallisard, Pacific Ocean on February 8, 2025. 8, 2025. (KTLA) Philip Alderton spent more than 30 years in the Altadena and Pasadena communities delivering gifts to underprivileged children of Operation Santa for over 30 years. (Gofundme) Philip Alderton spent many Christmas holidays in the Altadena and Pasadena communities delivering gifts to the underprivileged children of Operation Santa for over 30 years. (KTLA) Philip Alderton spent more than 30 years in the Altadena and Pasadena communities delivering gifts to underprivileged children of Operation Santa for over 30 years. (Gofundme) Philip Alderton returns to investigate the tile ble of Pacific Palisades’ destroyed mobile home on February 8, 2025. 2025. (KTLA)
Located in the Tahitian terrace area, Alderton’s mobile home and his neighbor’s home were all destroyed by wildfires.
Alderton has always loved to give back to the community and buy and collect toys for children in need.
“Some of the places we go, they absolutely have nothing,” Alderton told KTLA in a 2019 interview on Operation Santa. “They live in garages that don’t have electricity or anything like that. [the kids] I’m surprised when Santa appears. ”
But now his loved one said he is someone who can use some help and community support.
Originally from Sydney, Australia, Alderton moved to Southern California, eventually turning Pallisard in the Pacific into his home forever.
His beloved mobile home community has become like a family, so when he discovers that the fire has destroyed the neighborhood, heartbreak was hard to imagine.
“I don’t think it’s really attacking me yet,” Alderton said. “I’m single and alone. I think it’s really difficult for people with my family because of the kids.”
When residents finally returned to their home, Alderton searched for something that disbelieved in the tile ble in his previous home, searching for something that could be rescued. He is not sure what the future will look like as he begins to rebuild his life at once.
“Sometimes, you’re not just that depressed, but sometimes life is hysterically funny,” he said. “You’re just trying to say, ‘Well, this is what I got. This is where it all started.’
Annette Dominguez-O’Hair, a friend who set up a GoFundMe page written by Aldteron, said, “He volunteered selflessly for many causes and was there whenever someone needed him. Philip is very humble. Help, he is more interested in honestly helping others.”
You can find the GoFundMe page that helps Alderton rebuild his life here.
Source link
