Hundreds of children were treated to an early Christmas Monday when Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland and Blue Santa hosted a party at the Clayton Homes community Center.
Clayton Homes is one of the public housing neighborhoods that is managed by the Houston Housing Authority. Families struggle all year to make ends meet, so getting some Christmas cheer from the men and women in blue is greatly appreciated by the parents and their children.
In addition to getting a chance to sit on Blue Santa’s lap, each child received three Christmas presents and had the opportunity to meet officers from HPD SWAT, Mounted Patrol and the Motorcycle Unit.
The party was co-hosted by Halliburton, The Houston Police Foundation, Houston Children’s Charity, Linn Energy and Mark Micheletti, executive director of the Berkeley Eye Center.
Assistant Chief Vickie King told 2 on The Beat that The Blue Santa program began more than twenty years ago as a way for Houston police officers to give back to some of the needy families they meet while on patrol.
Officers who sign-up to participate in the program donate $10 a month and many of them volunteer at the different Blue Santa parties. King says leftover gifts are donated to Ben Taub and LBJ Hospitals.
This is a great program that brings holiday cheer to families in need and builds relationships between the community and the Houston Police Department.
Mary Benton Media 