Blue Santa seeks applications, donations
(Seguin) – Seguin PD’s Blue Santa is currently in the process of making his list and is needing your help in checking it twice for the 2021 Holiday Season.
For over 30 years, the Blue Santa Program has helped to ensure that all kids find gifts under the tree on Christmas morning. Now those who want to ensure that they make it onto his list are reminded to sign-up for this year’s Blue Santa Program as soon as possible.
Sarah Wallace, the community engagement officer with the Seguin Police Department, says although the deadline to sign-up for the program is Dec. 8, Blue Santa is hoping to get most of the names early so that gifts are set aside for these special girls and boys ages 0-12.
Wallace says to ensure that all deserving kids get a special gift, Blue Santa is asking that the rest of us do our part to make sure the applications get into the hands of those families who need them.
“At the end of the day, we are doing it for the kids. So, if they are on any type of government state assistance or anything like that or even if you are just not sure to apply or not, friends or family can easily go by the PD and pick up a paper and hand it to a family member that they think might qualify for the program. To get signed-up, it is a really easy process. You just need to driver’s license or an ID and one of the qualifiers on the back of the application and when in doubt, those can get picked up at the PD amongst other participating agencies,” said Wallace.
In addition to a current ID or driver’s license, families will need proof of income or other eligibility requirements such as WIC, Medicaid, Medicare, Chip, disability, TANF, Lone Star card, be a Housing Authority resident or have a direct recommendation from a teacher or police department employee.
They must also have a working phone number and email address. Wallace adds that only one application is needed should there be two families who live together and who both need assistance. Both parents, however, will need to bring the proper documents.
In addition to signing up, Wallace says Blue Santa is also looking to stock up his workshop with new toys.
She says while all toys are accepted, a special request is needed for the following age groups.
“Our lowest piles are 0-2, 9-10 and 11-12. So, if we could get extra help with those that would be just awesome because I know people said last year those even toward the end where the lowest ones (piles),” said Wallace.
Toys can be dropped off at the Seguin PD office or at any one of the blue bins located at the various businesses. They can also be donated this Friday during the KWED Holiday Food and Toy Drive from 7 to 9 a.m. outside the radio station located at 609 E. Court St. Toys are also now being collected in the radio station lobby.
Other ways to join the Blue Santa team include taking part in wrap sessions.
Wrap opportunities are now underway every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m. at Blue Santa’s headquarters located in the old Beall’s store at Crossroads Mall. The mall is located at 1500 E. Court St. Large groups wishing to help wrap or who would like to bring a food or drink donation are asked to email bluesanta@seguintexas.gov.
Elves wishing to volunteer and help pass out presents to families are also asked to stop by his workshop on Dec. 16 and 17th anytime from noon to 7 p.m.
Among the locations to sign-up for the Blue Santa Program include the Seguin ISD, Community Council, Seguin Manor, Middletowne Apartments and the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office.
A complete list of all locations is available on the Seguin PD or KWED Facebook page.