Seguin PD thanks the community for its overwhelming support
(Seguin) – Seguin Police Chief Jason Brady is giving Blue Santa and all of his elves a round of applause for delivering another dose of holiday happiness.
With most gift packages already under local Christmas trees, Brady says this year’s program has assisted hundreds and hundreds of children from across Guadalupe County.
“We are in the neighborhood of 1,300 individuals so just a tremendous program. If it weren’t for this program, there are certainly some kids who just flat out would not receive anything to open on Christmas,” said Brady.
Brady says relying on the program the most are parents who even after planning, just need an extra hand.
“There are other cases I think probably more so where if it weren’t for this program, these parents are going to do what it takes. They will still have gifts, but they’d probably have to sacrifice in other areas that would be quite painful for them particularly with this inflation we are seeing with the cost of food and the cost of fuel, so it puts a lot of parents in a really precarious position trying to make sure the kids have some gifts. So that’s always heartening to see,” said Brady.
Brady says the Blue Santa Program wouldn’t be successful without the community’s support. He says Seguin demonstrates this Christmas spirit year after year.
“I was able to drop by and on several occasions, the volunteers that we had from the community that not only gave money and gave gifts but also people who gave their time to come in and wrap gifts. It’s heartening. It’s really a community effort and we are glad we can sort of shepherd that process and lead it,” said Brady.
While there is a network of officers and a host of volunteers who help make this program a success, Brady says it’s always special when he can personally thank Sarah Chilutti, the community engagement officer assigned with getting the job done.
“Sarah is absolutely instrumental in that role because lots of people are always willing to help in this community but somebody kind of has to spearhead things and she does that I think better than anyone else could. We are very proud of her and her effort,” said Brady.
The Seguin Police Department’s Blue Santa Program this year also gives special thanks to the former owners of The Backyard. They include Freddie and Denise Leos.
The owners donated $10,000 to the program following their hosting of the Spazmatics concert in November. The concert was the company’s final community contribution as it plans to sell the property at the end of the year.