When 30 children walked into the Southwest Airlines hangar at William P. Hobby Airport, they had no idea what to expect. Southwest employees had rolled their toolboxes and maintenance equipment across the sprawling facility to make way for tables, chairs, holiday decorations and a Boeing 737 “flying in” from the North Pole.

While volunteers had no idea what the holiday season was truly like for the 30 children, there was an inkling. The children were in the care of DePelchin Children’s Center, an organization that has been supporting children and families in the Houston area since 1892. DePelchin provides services, like foster care and adoption, while ensuring children have the care and support they need to overcome trauma, both now and in the future. So, when Santa Claus arrived on a Southwest airplane, it was a big deal.

Mouths opened and eyes widened as children anxiously watched Santa slowly make his way down the plane and gifts poured out of the belly of the plane. A holiday surprise for 30 children who could use a little magic.

In March - months before the December surprise - Sarah Pepper, a radio host from Mix 96.5 FM, reached out to Houston Airports with help “flying” in Santa Claus to visit with children of DePelchin. Houston Airports shared Sarah’s wish with Southwest Airlines, which immediately said: yes! 

Over the next several months, Houston Airports connected with its concessionaires and the Guest Experience team at Hobby Airport to support the special visit from Santa. From swag bags, to stuffed animals and breakfast goodies, Houston Airports is grateful for the support from HMS Host, Hudson, Paradies Lagardère, LaTrelle’s and Areas. 

Listeners to The Morning Mix with Sarah Pepper and Jessie Watt donated gifts for all 1,500 children in the care of DePelchin, with 30 children specially selected for Santa’s Southwest Airlines Express. Mix 96.5 FM partnered with HEB and LyondellBassell, which provided finishing touches like gingerbread house kits, decorations and goodies. Staging Solutions donated a stage and decorations for Santa’s special visit. 

For Southwest, the event was an opportunity to put its ‘Heart in Action’ in Houston, a community where its customers and employees have lived, worked, and played for nearly 52 years. Southwest employees pulled double duty serving as Santa’s elves.

Each child had an opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and share what toys they hoped to receive this Christmas. To their surprise, on Christmas day, those wishes came true. Houston Airports hopes to team with Southwest Airlines and Mix 96.5 next year, because kindness and connection can make all the difference.