Blue Santa ready to soar, hand out gifts to families in need
24 Nov 2023
City of Seguin, Quality of Life
Felicia Frazar The Seguin Gazette
Blue Santa is starting to fill his sleigh and compile his list before he checks it twice to bring toys to all the girls and boys.
The Seguin Police Department’s annual Blue Santa Program is in full swing collecting presents and accepting applications for families in need, Seguin Police Community Engagement Officer Sarah Chilutti said.
Blue Santa Donation Locations
Nesbit Living and Recovery Center
Body Expressions
Geronimo VFW Auxiliary Sunday Dance
Walmart
Pain and Spine Physicians of San Antonio
Second Story Dance & Co.
GlamByLauraAnn
Texas Styles
Republic Plastics
First Commercial Bank
Alex’s Pet Sitting & Boarding
Gracie Jiu Jitsu
Chris’ Auto Repair
Summers Bend
The Blue Santa program assists families with putting presents under the tree, Chilutti said.
“I think it’s great to be able to help families that could use the extra hand to give kids a special Christmas,” she said. “For me, Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love that I get to volunteer to do something to help spread joy to other families.”
Last year, the program gifted presents to 1,300 children and Chilutti hopes to reach more.
“We have a goal of helping 1,500 children,” she said.
But the department can’t do it alone. Each year, the community steps up in a big way to help support the program with donations of toys or money, she said.
“We’re super fortunate to have a supportive community,” she said. “Without the help of our community, this program is not possible. It’s just incredible seeing the support pouring in.”
The program seeks donation of new toys that cost less than $25 for boys and girls ages 0 to 12, Chilutti said.
“We’re asking for toys under $25, that way it is easier to fairly dispense among families,” she said. “We’re also looking for donation of supplies — wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, tape.”
Blue Santa is headquartered at Faith Lutheran Church for wrapping nights and gift pick up.
“They generously donated their facility again this year for us to use,” Chilutti said.
Those wanting to apply for Blue Santa can pick up an application at the Seguin Police Department, 350 N. Guadalupe St., Seguin; Seguin ISD Administration Office, 1221 E. Kingsbury St., Seguin; Seguin Housing Authority, 516 Jefferson Ave., Seguin; Seguin Manor, 800 N. State Highway 123 Bypass #800, Seguin; Community Council of South Central Texas, 801 N. State Highway 123 Bypass, Seguin; Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office, 2617 N. Guadalupe St., Seguin; or SVDP Good Shepherd Schertz-Marion,1065 E. Live Oak Road, Schertz, TX 78154.
Applicants must have a current ID, proof of income or meet eligibility requirements (WIC, Housing Authority Resident, Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, Disability, TANF, Lone Star Card, any direct recommendation by a teacher or Seguin Police Department employee) and a working phone number and email address.
If two families live together and both are in need of assistance, submit one application per household. Both parents will need to bring proper documents.
Applications are due Dec. 8.
For more information, visit the Seguin Police Department’s Facebook page or contact Community Engagement Officer Sarah Chilutti at BlueSanta@seguintexas.gov or call 830-386-2582.
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