SAN ANGELO, Texas — Every year, the San Angelo Police Officers Coalition partners with the counselors at San Angelo ISD elementary schools for “Operation: Blue Santa.” The program takes donations and uses them to provide gifts to students who may not be able have presents during the holiday season. For 2024’s Operation: Blue Santa, along with Texas DPS and Goodfellow Security Forces, the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office is also getting involved. This, according to SAPD Officer and Program Coordinator Raymond Francis, means the program’s reach extends to students in Wall, Veribest, Christoval and Water Valley.
The program is looking to provide about 60 students with gifts this holiday season, but Francis says amounts have very little to do with the meaning behind the program.
"It’s the children. It’s basically the children. To give them a Christmas the weren’t gonna have. I never worry about how many kids we’re bringing," Francis said.
"The only thing I’m worried about is that we’re providing a Christmas to the kids."