ABILENE, Texas — The Abilene Police Department teams up with the community to provide an unforgettable Christmas for children in need or at-risk during the holiday season.
"The first year we did this kids were picking out what they truly needed. They were picking out heaters. And pots and pans. Not rushing to the toy aisles,” Joshua New, Operation Blue Santa president, said.
With the help of some generous elves and community partners, each child receives a hygiene box, shoes... A brand new jacket, a fleece blanket, and Christmas pajamas - without even coming out of their toy budget.
But that's not all.
"Each kiddo will go home with a food box they basically be able to prepare a Christmas meal.. and a voucher for a rotisserie chicken," said New.
This is the fourth year the Abilene Police Department has put on Operation Blue Santa which has contributed to almost 400 families in the Big Country.