Santa surprises children by arriving via helicopter

Children swarmed a small park in the Coventry neighborhood in Henderson on a breezy Sunday morning as they looked up and pointed to the sky.

"Santa, Santa," the children squeaked as they watched his helicopter circle overhead.

Though he wasn't guided by his usual reindeer, Santa Claus descended and passed out gifts to the community's children Dec. 23.

"It is just an overwhelming experience for the kids," said Michael Herrera, who heads the Coventry Neighborhood Watch. "I think they are going to remember this for a long time."

The last few years, the community has banded together to bring the arrival of Santa, who usually travels through the streets on a hayride.

To make it more interesting this year, Santa flew in. The event also had hot chocolate, bounce houses, a children's train, pizza and that warm holiday spirit.

Herrera said about 140 children came to the event.

Anne Long, who has lived in Coventry about four years, brought her two sons, 12 and 5, to the event.

"They are just thrilled," Long said.

Long's husband recently obtained his pilot's license, allowing him to get in contact with other pilots who could volunteer for the event.

After Santa landed and got out, eager children rushed up to him, surrounding, hugging and high-fiving him.

All had a chance to sit on his lap, take photos and receive a present - no matter who was naughty or nice.

Long said parents were told to drop off a present at certain houses with their child's name on it.

About 200 presents were then brought over as Santa arrived, allowing him to hand out something special to each child.

Herrera said neighbors in the nearly 1,200-home community were informed about the event through its Neighborhood Watch Facebook page and notices the group sent out.

Herrera, a Coventry resident for nine years, said this event is part of the community's bigger mission to be more connected.

"The truth is, as far as community, Vegas is lacking," Herrera said. "There was a UNLV survey that came out that said only 30 percent of people feel connected. That means 70 percent don't feel connected."

The neighborhood usually hosts at least four other community events throughout the year such as a Fourth of July celebration or a spring festival.

People also use the Neighborhood Watch page as a conduit to keep everyone informed on anything from coyote sightings to suspicious activity.

Long said having this much connectivity makes the community feel safer.

"The sense of security it gives is amazing," she added.

Along with Neighborhood Watch, which has more than 600 members on its Facebook page, Long said the community hosts book clubs, poker clubs and a mommy group.

Long said Coventry has also done fundraisers.

"We try to build the community-oriented feeling," Herrera said.

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 702-387-5201.