by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - The children of Merizo got a special treat recently and Santa Claus paid a special visit delivering toys and holiday cheer. Taking a break from the North Pole and his reindeer, Santa is riding in style, courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard.

With the crew from the Coast Guard Guam Sector Jolly ‘Ol Saint Nick spread some happiness in the southern village. As part of their holiday tradition, the Coast Guard delivered more than 60 presents for the island children in need in the southern part of Guam.

Coast Guard Guam Sector Commander Captain Casey White said, "We are this is part of the angel tree for our sister village of Merizo. So Merizo is very much our family away from home. So this allows us to share in the Christmas spirit to share with our family here on Guam."

The annual event not only spread holiday cheer to residents in Merizo, but also helped ease some of the homesickness our fine Coast Guard men and women may be experiencing being away from their mainland families.

Tanya Midget with Coast Guard Sector Guam said, "I think its just really good had its one of the big outreaches for us and its nice to see everyone you'll see the blue next to the water being able to get out in the community and support the people around us, help their island. It makes us feel like Christmas when your 8,000 miles away si yu'os ma'ase and Merry Christmas.