The year is 1984 and a Houston Police Officer was tasked with arresting a man for shoplifting. The officer soon discovered that sadly the man was stealing clothing for his children’s Christmas. The officers involved were so moved by the suspect’s heartfelt story that they asked for donations from the other officers to purchase toys for the children’s Christmas.
The response was overwhelming and the officers donated so much money that the officers were able to purchase toys, not only for the man’s children, but also for an additional dozen disadvantaged children.
Since 1984 the heart of the Blue Santa has grown to over 1500 Houston Police Officers donating bi-weekly to this program. The sponsoring officers are responsible for wrapping and delivering the toys to the families that the officers have identified.
Along with community partners and the officers’ donations, the Blue Santa program currently provides toys to approximately 10,000 economically disadvantaged children every year.
Our IT Administrator, Andrea Schmauss, is very active in volunteering with law enforcement and the community. When she heard that the Blue Santa was attending a party for children and was unescorted as all his elves were busy making toys in the North Pole, she had the idea to don her Christmas Blue and see if she could audition to be one of Santa’s helpers. As you can see, Santa hired her on the spot. We hope she returns from the North Pole very soon. Police Navidad!!!!
