Assemblymember Greg Wallis Hosts Holiday Open House, Honors NBC Palm Springs’ Holiday Cheer Ambassadors

Local State Assemblymember Greg Wallis welcomed the community to a holiday open house and toy drive Tuesday night in Palm Desert, combining seasonal celebration with support for a meaningful cause. Members of the U.S. Marines were on hand to collect toy donations for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, which helps provide holiday gifts to children in need.

In addition to the toy drive, Wallis used the event to highlight something close to home for many in the Coachella Valley. The GOP lawmaker presented a proclamation from the State of California to NBC Palm Springs’ Sandy Claus and Scotty the retired Elf, who have been spreading holiday cheer all month long through the station’s popular Holiday Lights segments.

“I like to watch local news just like everyone else,” Wallis said. “I thought the segment of Sandy Claus and Scotty the Elf was a fun way to spread holiday cheer out here in the Coachella Valley. So tonight, we were able to recognize them with a proclamation from the state of California.”

With the proclamation, Sandy Claus and Scotty the Elf were officially named ambassadors of holiday cheer for the region. Wallis emphasized that the recognition reflects the spirit of the community. “Holiday Lights is all about joy. It’s about honoring our Coachella Valley,” he said.

For Sandy and Scotty, the honor was both meaningful and humbling. “This is not about us,” they shared. “It’s about the community, and we’re thrilled to be ambassadors of holiday cheer.”

The duo also dedicated the proclamation with good humor to a viewer named Roy, whose past complaint about the segment indirectly led to the recognition. The lighthearted moment capped off an evening focused on giving, gratitude, and celebrating the joy of the season.

The event brought together community members, service organizations, and local media, reinforcing the message that the holidays in the Coachella Valley are about coming together and giving back.