Columbus Bishop Hartley High School is honored to have served as one of the nine statewide locations for Operation Santa’s Sleigh 2025, a beloved annual tradition coordinated by Light Ohio Blue, Light Ohio Red and the North Pole’s own Santa Claus Protection Team.
On the evening of Dec. 23, more than 1,000 first responders from across central Ohio gathered on Bishop Hartley’s campus as part of a statewide effort to deliver a visible message of hope, gratitude and holiday cheer to children, veterans and families spending the holidays in care facilities. An estimated 350 public safety vehicles assembled at Hartley before joining the coordinated statewide illumination event, turning on their lights to “light the way for Santa” and remind Ohioans that they are remembered and supported during the holiday season.
“Bishop Hartley was proud to serve as a host site for this meaningful tradition,” school leadership said. “Our mission calls us to transform lives through faith, service and community. Welcoming the first responders who give so much to our city and supporting the children and veterans they honor through this event was a privilege for our entire school family. Our students and staff were eager to play a role in this effort.”
Operation Santa’s Sleigh brings together law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel and other first responders in a statewide show of unity and compassion. The event lifts the spirits of patients, families and hospital staff while also offering first responders and their families a moment of joy and connection during the holiday season.
Bill Swank, founder and organizer of the event, offered, “This year’s Operation Santa’s Sleigh was a tremendous success, bringing Christmas and holiday cheer to the many patients, their families and the incredible staff at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House.
“The spirits of the first responders and family members in attendance were also lifted — thanks in large part to the outstanding hospitality and efforts of the Bishop Hartley staff. Their support was instrumental in making this year’s event such a success.”
In addition to Bishop Hartley school leadership, the effort was supported and attended by Adam Dufault, diocesan superintendent of schools who also led the procession of vehicles from Bishop Hartley High School to Nationwide Children’s Hospital.