Blue Santa program is open

The San Marcos Police Department is accepting applications for its 2023 Blue Santa Program and the deadline to apply is Nov. 17 at 5 p.m.

The program is celebrating its 51st year of serving local families and is the largest annual holiday toy giveaway in San Marcos.

Each year, the Blue Santa Program distributes toys to over 350 families.

“It’s touching to see the impact the Blue Santa Program has had on families in San Marcos over the years,” said San Marcos Police Officer and Blue Santa organizer Laray Taylor. “One year, I met a father who brought his children to help wrap presents prior to distribution. He said that the program had provided for his family when he was a kid, and he wanted his children to help give back to others in the community.”

The San Marcos Police Department implemented the Blue Santa Program locally in 1972. Since then, thousands of toys have been distributed to local children.

Applications are available online in English and Spanish, and applications are also available for pickup at the San Marcos Police Department, 2300 S IH 35 and the Health and Human Services Department, 1901 Dutton Drive.

Completed applications must be returned in person to the San Marcos Police Department. Toy distribution will take place at 301 N. Edward Gary St., next to Sherwin Williams, downtown San Marcos on Friday, Dec. 15 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be no toy deliveries and no Saturday pickups.

There will be an opportunity for volunteers to participate in gift wrapping events. Community members are also invited to support the Blue Santa Program by making monetary donations in person or by mail to the San Marcos Police Department, Attn: Blue Santa. Checks should be made out to San Marcos CPA Blue Santa. All donated funds will be used to purchase toys.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Laray Taylor at 512-754-2270 or ltaylor@ sanmarcostx.gov.