SAN MARCOS POLICE DEPARTMENT
The San Marcos Police Department and the San Marcos Community and Police Association are kicking off another Blue Santa season with giftwrapping events on the next three Tuesdays. Join them to spread Christmas cheer and make a difference in a child’s holiday.
“As a police department, to be able to serve our community this way is really a privilege,” said SMPD Sergeant Laray Taylor.
“We know there’s a great need, and we know that parents want to be able to do something for the kids for Christmas. And they can’t always do that because of expenses and other things. So Blue Santa steps in to help those who need help.”
The San Marcos Police Department has been sponsoring the Blue Santa program for more than 50 years.
“It’s really been exciting for us to do this over the years, and we’ve seen a lot of families come back because they need the assistance,” Taylor said. “It’s just a connection with the community through the gift of giving.”
SMPD provides supplies as well as the festive atmosphere, but be sure to arrive early, since space is limited.
“Just bring yourself,” he said. “We provide paper, the tape, everything you need, and we definitely provide the toys. It’s a good time. We’ll have refreshments. We’ll have music. I always tell people get there within the first 20 minutes, because it fills up.
“It’s a great time for us to spend with the community, to engage with them, and celebrate Christmas and doing things for others.”
Sergeant Taylor said that the program initially accepted donated toys, but decided to switch to monetary donations to be able to provide new toys for the kids.
“We started buying because we really wanted to improve the quality of the toys that we have,” he said. “Monetary donations are really big for us. We get the best bang for the buck on the toys, and buy some nice toys for the kids.”
Gift-Wrapping Dates - Tuesday Nov. 25 - Tuesday Dec. 2 - Tuesday Dec. 9 Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: 301 N. Edward Gary St. (next to Sherwin Williams)
2025 Blue Santa Program Applications, deadline is Friday, Nov. 21 Applications are available in both English and Spanish at the following locations: - Health and Human Services Department, 1901 Dutton Dr.
- San Marcos Police Department, 2300 South IH 35 Applications can also be filled out online: sanmarcostx. gov/496/Apply
Donations
Mail monetary contributions to: San Marcos Police Department Blue Santa 2300 IH 35 South San Marcos, TX 78666
