COLORADO CITY, AZ—The spirit of Christmas soared into the Colorado City Municipal Airport (KAZC) on Wednesday, December 10, 2024, as over 500 children from Water Canyon Elementary in Hildale, UT, and Cottonwood Elementary in Colorado City, AZ, greeted Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a host of elves. This heartwarming tradition, known as the “Santa Flight,” was executed by 23 volunteer pilots from the Utah wing of Angel Flight West (AFW).
The annual event, celebrating its 20th year, saw pilots depart from various Utah airports at 8:30 a.m. to deliver a massive payload of donated supplies to the two Title I schools.
Siren Escort and Community Welcome
The day began with excitement as the Hildale/Colorado City Fire Department escorted the students’ buses to the airport with lights and sirens, treating the children to a spectacular arrival.
Inside the hangar, anticipation was high as the students awaited the plane with Santa. Supporting the event were both Mayors of the twin towns. Members of the Colorado City Airport Advisory Board were also present, alongside numerous local volunteers.
Darlene Stubbs, a member of the Airport Advisory Board who coordinated the local logistics, expressed her gratitude for the community support:
“Thank you to the hangar owners for allowing us to use their space, and to the Airport Advisory Board. And a special thanks to Wyatt Bistline and his team for volunteering! And thank you to Cherish Families for serving hot cocoa and keeping everyone warm and festive.”
A Mission of Kindness and Generosity
The Angel Flight West Santa Flight team—comprised of Wing leader Lou Rossi and Outreach Coordinators Phil Titus and Joanne Brattain—annually selects a rural Title I school to receive support. Community groups, friends, and generous donors collected new and gently used clothing, toys, and books based on the schools’ needs.
The aircraft were stocked with essential items, including:
Donated toys and backpacks
School supplies and winter coatsBooks, including over 500 from KUED/PBS Utah’s “Ready to Learn” literacy program
Major financial support came from the John C. Kish Foundation, Bank of Utah, and the Leavitt Group. As with all AFW missions, the volunteer pilots donated their time, talent, aircraft, fuel, and operating expenses.
Smiles, Laughter, and Pure Joy
Upon Santa’s landing and arrival in the hangar, the students erupted in cheers. Principals Brad Jolley and Natalie Hammon hosted a short assembly where the children serenaded the pilots with holiday songs. Lou Rossi presented the large collection of donations to the schools.
The true impact of the day was beautifully captured by Water Canyon Elementary Principal Brad Jolley:
“Wednesday morning, December 10th, was a great reminder of just how great it is to be a kid this time of year. Santa Flight 2025 brought great excitement and Christmas cheer to all who were in attendance. Smiles, laughter, and pure joy of innocence were abounding as we participated in an event that brought two schools together for a great cause. I can’t thank the organizing agencies enough for such a special occasion. It truly was a great event, from the lights and sirens of the Fire Department, escorting both schools to the airport, to singing christmas carols, to the hot chocolate and suckers, to the main VIP’s – Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The donated items are truly appreciated and will benefit many. On behalf of my students and staff here at Water Canyon Elementary, THANK YOU! It was a great day! Merry Christmas to all of you.”
Rossi concluded, “We are very grateful for the generosity of our pilots and the community groups who have raised money and gathered donations so that even during this tough economic time, we can bring some holiday cheer to these kids.”
Angel Flight West, founded in 1983, is a nonprofit that arranges free, non-emergency air travel for people with serious medical conditions and other compelling needs across the Western US.
