By 2020 Tony Malone had built the North Pole at Ridgecrest to its pinnacle design, in time for his proud selection on the Great American Light Fight. After his prestigious recognition families swarmed his home during the holiday season to celebrate the magic of Christmas for their children. 

The grounds are covered with hundreds of computer controlled animated elves all busy doing things for Santa. Some elves are building toys, others are riding a merry-go-round, while some skate, others climb ladders, some play instruments in a band and so on. Mechanical polar bears move to the Christmas music, delighting the small children. Parents and grandparents can sit in comfortable chairs by heaters watching the children fascinated by the elves, or in the bounce house, or on the tiny tot train. 

Tony, the Head Elf, provides free hot cocoa to everyone. Each visiting child is offered a free coloring book, cookies, and candy. Santa and Mrs. Claus are there waiting to hear your Christmas wishes and take pictures.

Behind the scenes much more is going on. The Head Elf is finding out who needs help. He heartily believes that “Every child needs a toy for Christmas”. If the parents need help with food, clothing, or toys, then Tony is prepared to help.

Tony has stepped up to help whenever and wherever the need has been brought to his attention. 

Last year he helped hundreds of families, many at the very last minute as Christmas Day was dawning. 

Like Santa, Tony prepares all year. Since 2019 he has given away countless bicycles, always with a helmet; skateboards, scooters, skates, all with pads and helmets. He can’t count the number of dolls many with strollers, large doll houses, remote controlled cars, games, sports equipment, toddler toys, baby’s first toys he has given. The number of stuffed animals each year is staggering.

People have come from neighboring towns on the desert to enjoy the North Pole fun or get help from Tony. Besides Ridgecrest, he has blessed families in California City, InyoKern, and Trona. 

Folks have come from Weldon, Isabella and beyond to enjoy The North Pole.

Celebrating Christmas is a year round project for Tony. He is either buying toys, repairing elves, or some other preparation.  The entire community comes alongside Tony and his mission. According to him, “We could not do what we do if it wasn’t for this supportive community”. Tony remarked, “I can open my front door on a morning in April or July and find a new toy there for me to give away. The police, the fire department, the Navy, local businesses, and so many kind people, even the Mayor; they all pitch in to make sure Christmas is a sweet time for the kiddos. I love this town, what a bunch of great people.” Some of Tony’s faithful supporters like to remain anonymous and some surprise him with a bicycle at the front door early in the morning. Tony said, “I never know what I will find when I step outside. Someone with a big heart has been here.”

Established in 2005, the North Pole in Ridgecrest began as a fun entry in the City’s Christmas decoration competition. Over the years he kept adding more elaborate decorations until his home looks like Santa’s.

The year Tony mounted Santa in his sleigh with eight flying reindeer 14 feet over the house he realized his true passion, the children. Christmas is for them, the wonder, the magic, the love the season brings.

He began with small trinkets to give away with candy and popcorn balls, He knows this community has a lot of successful people as well as those who have fallen through the cracks. Most children have fine family Christmases, but there are those who don’t. Tony has a heart for them. 

“Every child needs a toy for Christmas”