The San Marcos Police Department announced that its application process for the 2020 Blue Santa Program is now open and applications will be accepted through Nov. 20.
Applications can be found in English and Spanish at https://sanmarcostx.gov/496/Apply or picked up at the Health & Human Services Department, 1901 Dutton Dr. C, San Marcos or at the San Marcos Police Department — 2300 S. Interstate 35. Applicants are asked to review the application carefully before submitting and then watch for a postcard in the mail, detailing instructions about drive-thru distribution.
“Over the past 48 years, SMPD’s Blue Santa program and the San Marcos Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association have provided toys for up to 350 local families, which includes nearly 1,500 children, who might not otherwise have gifts for Christmas,” said Laray Taylor, SMPD corporal and the blue santa program organizer. “It’s been a challenging year for this community and we’re excited to be able to continue this valuable program and thank our donors and volunteers for their generosity.”
Packages must be picked up and there will be no gift delivery this year because of COVID-19 precautions, officials said. Those who may have special circumstances that would prevent gift pick-up are asked to contact Taylor at [email protected] or 512-754-2270.
Blue Santa Toy distribution will take place on Friday, Dec. 11 and Saturday Dec. 12 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. at 750 Barnes Drive Suite 100 located between Target and JCPenny.
“Unfortunately, we’re unable to hold our traditional Blue Santa gift wrapping events this year due to COVID-19,” Taylor said. “We’ll miss sharing Christmas with all those who participate each year and we hope to be gift wrapping together again in 2021.”
SMPD also assists gift-giving efforts for organizations including the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), the Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Family and Child Protective Services, the Children’s and Women’s Shelters, Centro Cultural Center kids program and the Southside Community Center. SMPD’s Blue Santa Program is the largest Christmas toy giveaway in San Marcos each year
Donations continue to be accepted through PayPal, or check, which can be made out to:
The San Marcos Police Department
2300 Interstate 35 S, San Marcos, TX 78666
Attn. San Marcos CPAAA Blue Santa Account
All donated funds will be used to purchase toys.
