OUR MISSION
The mission of the Austin Police Operation Blue Santa is to provide toys and food for families in need during the holiday season.
OUR GOALS
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To get the support and goodwill of Austin residents, businesses, and civic groups with generous contributions.
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To provide families with food and toys for each child up to the age of 14
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To have our volunteers deliver gift packages to selected families.
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To also have the community and businesses adopt families.
WHAT WE DO
We provide gifts, toys, and gift cards for families in need during the holiday season. Our service began with about 20 needy families, this year we will easily serve over 6000 families. This is only possible because of the goodwill and big hearts of Austin’s citizens, businesses, and civic groups that support us each year. Thank you Austin and surrounding communities!
OUR HISTORY
Austin Police Operation Blue Santa is a 501(c)3 non-profit, community based corporation, governed by a board of directors and staffed by volunteers and employees of the Austin Police Department. Support is provided by the Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department, Austin Energy, Austin Water Utilities, Austin Independent School District Police Department, area businesses, organizations, and the central Texas community. This charitable outreach began in 1972 when two patrol officers realized that 20 families on their patrol beat would not have gifts or food for their children at Christmas. For years we provided each family a full holiday meal, complete with turkey/chicken and all the trimmings, and wrapped Christmas gifts for each child up to the age of 14. Our service began in 1972 with 20 needy families. This year we will easily serve over 6,000 families. This is only possible because of the Austin citizens, businesses, civic groups, foundations and the community that supports us each year. Thank you, Austin!
Who We Are
Our Board
EXECUTIVE TEAM
BOARD MEMBERS
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
TREASURER
SECRETARY
HISTORIAN
PARLIAMENTARIAN
Margarine Beaman
Community Representative
Justin Berry
Austin Police Association Representative
Marie Bynum
Austin Police Department
Billy Carter
Community Representative
Aaron Loaeza
Community Representative
Wayne Maines
Austin Community College
Belinda Romero
Community Representative
Margarine Beaman
Community Representative
Scott Stephens
Community Representative
Mike Sheffield
Austin Police Department
Vacant
Margarine Beaman
Community Representative
Todd Pomroy
Austin Fire Department
Mike Sheffield
Austin Police Department
Scott Stephens
Community Representative
Debbie Stone
Community Representative
David Trinidad
Community Representative
Jose Velasquez
Community Representative
Kevin Wooden
Austin ISD Police Department
In the Beginning
An interview with Ret. APD Lt. Ernie Hinkle - a founder of Austin Police Operation Blue Santa.