Santa's Military Elf In Need Of Donations To Help Children Of Troops

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Santa's military elf is once again trying to collect toys for the children of families in the military.

"We've gone rain, wind, cold, hot, it's been everything, this has been as cold as I've ever had it," said Rodney Stanhope.

He's been braving the freezing temperatures.

"We keep doing it, 'cause it was a one-time thing we did in 2003, and I keep doing it over and over again every year."

Rodney created Toys For The Troops Kids 13 years ago and lives in a tuff shed 24-7 for 12 straight days leading up to Christmas to raise gifts and donations for deployed and military families in need.

"It's a nice thing," said Anthony Solorio. "I like to bring them by just to see Christmas is all about giving back to the community, the troops can't all be with their children this time year, so it's good to be out here."

Stanhope still needs donations. Last year he had 4,000 toys on Day 5, while this year he's only collected 300.

"That's why we came by to just see what kind of toys they needed, so they kind of told us, now we're going to go buy some and then come on back," Solorio said.

Gift cards, cash, toys and checks are expected at the Arden Way location near the mall to help for Christmas.

"It's been really cool cause I've met some of the military families that come down here to get toys," Stanhope said. "Had one year grandma brought the kids to get toys, 'cause she couldn't afford anything and the parents were both deployed u.s. navy and since then now every year that whole family comes and volunteers for me."

Toys can also be dropped off in Roseville a The Fountains and in Citrus Heights on the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Greenback Lane.