Santa's Helpers
Meet our 2023 Operation Santa team! We are very excited to continue this meaningful project by serving the San Diego community this holiday season.
Yoto Kim
About Yoto:
Yoto is currently a 2nd year at UCSD pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics-Computer Science and minor in Cognitive Science. He joined Alpha Phi Omega in the fall of 2022 as part of the Beta Mu class. In his free time, he likes to cook, play video games, and play with his dogs!
Why Op Santa?
“I was introduced to Operation Santa in my very first quarter of college. I instantly saw how important Operation Santa was in bringing people together and supporting the community. Now, I look forward to being at the forefront of the process and bringing joy to the families in my community!”
Favorite part about the holidays?
During the holidays, Yoto loves going around the city and seeing the holiday ambiance. The atmosphere feels so cozy and welcoming with the lights, families celebrating together, and of course, Christmas music!
Nika Gonzales
About Nika:
Nika is a third year at UCSD, double majoring in developmental psychology and education studies. She joined Alpha Phi Omega during Fall '22 as part of the Beta Mu Class. She likes going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends in her free time.
Why Op Santa?
"Op Santa was the first big service event I did when I pledged APO. It was a very fulfilling experience to be a part of last year, and I’m excited to be more involved in the process behind the scenes and more as a chair. I hope to bring joy to as many families as we can again this year!"
Favorite part about the holidays?
Her favorite part of the holidays is being able to fly back home to family and partaking in all their classic family holiday traditions!
Paige Pagaduan
About Paige:
Paige is currently a 2nd year at UCSD pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science. She joined Alpha Phi Omega in the Fall of 2022 as a part of the Beta Mu class. In her free time, she likes to hike, watch horror movies, and bake.
Why Op Santa?
“I was first introduced to Operation Santa during my first quarter at UCSD and I was amazed by the amount of sponsors and volunteers willing to help with providing joy and the holiday spirit to families in need. From flyering to spread the word of Operation Santa to wrapping gifts for adoptees, I thoroughly enjoyed my experiences with Operation Santa. Now, I am willing and able to take a leadership role within Operation Santa to help and support those in need this holiday season.”
Favorite part about the holidays?
During the holidays, she loves to catch up with friends and family and cook dinner with them.
Andy Liu
About Andy:
Andy is currently a 3rd year at UCSD pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics-Computer Science. He joined Alpha Phi Omega in the Fall of 2022 as a part of the Beta Mu class. In his free time, he likes to gym, play video games, and go for walks.
Why Op Santa?
“Growing up, my family did not celebrated Christmas. The only time I got to celebrate it was whenever organizations like OpSanta would give us free gifts. Despite having to wait in long lines for them, it was always one of my favorite parts of the holiday. OpSanta is the perfect opportunity for me to give back and let others experience the same joy.”
Favorite part about the holidays?
During the holidays, Andy likes spending time with his family and friends back home. He enjoys the aesthetic of Christmas everywhere.
