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Blue Santa program seeks holiday help
Published November 13, 2009
SEGUIN — Santa and his elves are making it another blue Christmas.
The Seguin Police Department’s annual Blue Santa Toy Drive is kicking off starting Thursday, Nov. 12 with events that lead up to the arrival of the man in the blue suit.
Hope Vasquez, Seguin Police D.A.R.E. Officer and the Blue Santa organizer, said the program was designed to give holiday gifts to kids 12 and under whose families are struggling.
“It is to help the less fortunate who are have difficulties financially and they can’t afford to buy any gifts for their child this year,” she said.
Headquarters for this year’s program are located in the Five Court Mall at 1500 E. Court St. Suite 600, next to Office Depot.
Last year, the organization delivered happiness to over 500 families, Vasquez said, adding that they are expecting to see many more since the economic downturn.
“Last year we wrapped 2,422 gifts and that was 1,411 children and each child received two gifts so they can have something to open on Christmas besides one gift,” she said. “I do believe we are going to have more this year than previous years, based on the amount of calls I have been receiving since the summer.”
The gifts should be up to a $10 value to ensure that all of the kids receive the same amount, Vasquez said.
“We also ask for some $1 toys, that way maybe all of the kids can receive a second gift,” she added. “And this way if someone doesn’t have $10 to spend on an item but they have $5, they can buy five $1 toys.”
Vasquez said it’s important to remember the littlest children and pre-teens. Blue Santa collects for children up to 12 years old.
“We are always low on toys for the ages of 0-2 — infant to toddler — those are very high in need,” she said. “Also for the children between 10-12 they are to get gifts for. So we are looking for craft-type toys for them or educational toys, an electronic game or board games.”
Ideal toys for infants are stimulating items with bright colors, shapes and music for them to listen to, Vasquez said. Toys for any age group should be non-violent.
“We do not except anything toys that are violent in nature such as weapons or anything drug-related,” she said.
If you’re looking for a more hands-on way to help, the organization is also looking for volunteers to help wrap gifts for the toys. Blue Santa Wrapping nights are Dec. 8, Dec. 10, Dec. 14 and Dec. 16 from 6-9 p.m.
Vasquez asks that anybody wanting to volunteer, call ahead of time to ensure there is plenty of space.
“We have a limited amount of space at the headquarters, so we need to make sure everyone will fit,” she said.
Other items the group are collecting includes wrapping paper, scissors, tape, bows, batteries (for electronic toys), name tags and gift bags or boxes. They are also looking for refreshment items for the wrapping nights like cookies, hot chocolate, coffee, disposable cups and napkins.
There is no charge to participate in the program and applications must be turned in by Dec. 15.
“It’s one application per household,” Vasquez said. “So, if there are two families in one household, it’s still one application but both need to show proof of residence and a photo ID.”
For more event, donation or application information call the D.A.R.E. office at 830-401-2386 or go online to www.ci.seguin.tx.us/police/dare .
Toys, wrapping supplies and food can be dropped off at: Mickey Ferrell Realtors, 801 N. 123 Bypass; Century 21 D&D 1498 E. Court St.; Wal-Mart No. 901, 550 S. Hwy 123 Bypass; American Bank of Texas N.A., 200 N. Austin St.; KWED, 609 E. Court St.; Texaco Express Lube, 715 N. Hwy 123 Bypass; Dollar General No. 6967, 434 N. Austin St.; Seguin Police Department, 350 N. Guadalupe St.; Guadalupe County Sheriffs Office, 2617 N. Guadalupe St.; Windsor Nursing and Rehab., 1219 Eastwood Dr.; Seguin Chevrolet, 509 IH 10W; Mr. Gattis, 1489 E. Court St.; and Mickey Ferrell Realtors, 8610 FM 725, McQueeney;
Applications to participate in the Blue Santa Program are available at: the Seguin Police Department, 305. N Guadalupe St.; Seguin Activity Center, 620 Zorn St.; Seguin ISD District Office, 1221 E. Kingsbury St.; Guadalupe County Sheriffs Office, 2617 N Guadalupe St.; Seguin Housing Authority, 516 Jefferson; Juan Seguin Elementary, 450 Dolle Ave; CCST/Community Services, 808 Pine St.; Navarro Elementary, 380 Link Rd; CCSCT/Head Start Parent Inc., 101 S. River St.; Jefferson Elementary, 215 Short Ave.; San Marcos Salvation Army, 518 S. Guadalupe St., San Marcos; and the Hays County Per. H. Dept., 401-A Broadway, San Marcos.
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