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What began with gift distributions to 20 families from the back of a patrol car has become a massive effort in partnership with the Austin Community, the Texas National Guard, the Austin Fire Department, the Austin Parks and Recreation and Austin Energy.
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Operation Blue Santa
has
been a program of the Austin Police Department since 1972. This
charitable outreach began when two patrol officers realized that some
families on the patrol beat would not have gifts or food for their
children at Christmas.
Each year,
Operation Blue Santa serves more than 3,800 families, with 14,000 children
in those families receiving gifts. The community is generous in the
their support, contributing to many events, including the Chuy's Children
Giving to Children Parade, held the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year.
All the toys collected during the parade are donated to Operation Blue
Santa.
