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MANTI — It's not very often air traffic control is needed at the Manti-Ephraim Airport, but on Wednesday, the skies were full of small planes as a part of the 2015 Santa Flight.
Pilot Lou Rossi and his daughter Amanda, along with the other pilots, each got a big cheer as their planes touched down on the runway.
"We had a great reception when we flew in here," he said. "All the kids were lined up in the hangar with a big banner."
The 400 students from Manti Elementary weren't there for an air show. They attended to say thank you for what the planes delivered: books, school supplies, toys and coats.
"We collected donations from around our neighborhood with our Scout troop," said Nick Lange, a Boy Scout in the area.
This is the 15th year of the Santa Flight, in which volunteer pilots help deliver donations to a rural school.
"It made me happy because when I was younger, my family didn't have as much money, and so I know what it feels like," said Boy Scout Brandon Colemere.
By the time the last plane landed Wednesday morning, a total of 24 planes brought school supplies to students at Manti Elementary School.
One very special plane carried Santa and Mrs. Claus. The children watched for that one.
"They will never, ever forget this," said Karen Soper, principal of Manti Elementary School. "This has been a wonderful experience. They have been so excited for Santa."
"We are a community that really appreciates an effort like this, and we have never seen anything like this before," Soper added.
