BY SARAH STEPHENS, OWNER/EDITOR
What does a Christmas Elf look like? It may not be what you are thinking.
When it comes to Operation Blue Santa at the Millbrook Police Department, Santa’s helpers came on bikes, in trucks, with beards and leather jackets, military patches…not your typical Hallmark elf, for sure. But they definitely have the big hearts, love of community and the desire to make Christmas better for children in need this Christmas season.
Tuesday evening, Dec. 10, a rumble came from Main Street, as Millbrook Police Officers with flashing blue lights led a group of big-hearted folks representing the Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club and the American Legion Post 133.
Outside of the department, Police Chief P.K. Johnson stood watching the entourage make its way and just smiled. “This is what Christmas is about. I have looked forward to this all day,” Chief Johnson said with a huge smile on his face.
The America Legion and Punishers LEMC members came with boxes of new, unwrapped toys for the kids that will benefit from Operation Blue Santa, as well as a $4,000 check from the Punishers. This money was raised throughout the year by the Club with various fundraisers, poker runs and events.
As for the Legion members, they began gathering up toys and money early in the year as well, and it has become a favorite project for the Post.
The toys will be delivered to area kids and the money will be used to buy more toys to cover all of the needs of the more than 200 children selected through an applications process.
Lt. Don Pugh with Millbrook PD came up with the idea a few years ago, and it has continued to grow in popularity over time.
“Our people here work so hard on this, and it is not an easy process,” Chief Johnson said. “But it is a way to give back to a community who shows our department so much love and support throughout the year.”
All too often, when the general public makes contact with law enforcement officers, it is on what could be the worst day of their lives. Johnson feels it is extremely important to have community initiatives, such as Blue Santa, to remind everyone that officers are human, too. They live and work in this area, raise their families, and are dedicated public servants in good times or bad.
“Most of officers and staff here are parents and grandparents, too,” Chief Johnson said.
Johnson praised the good works of the American Legion and Punishers LEMC.
“There just aren’t enough words to tell them how much this means to us as a department, but more importantly what it will mean to some young children and families in our surrounding community,” Johnson said. “I hope that on Christmas morning as these amazing Legion and Punishers members are watching their own families open presents, they will also be reminded that somewhere out there is a child who will treasure a gift they otherwise would not have received this year. We are so blessed in this community with people who care and support us. Thank you to the Punishers LEMC and American Legion from the bottom of my heart.”
Over the next couple of weeks members of the Millbrook Police Department will be doing a lot of shopping and delivering of these toys to families in the area.
You still have opportunities to donate if you are interested! The Front Porch Grill is a drop off for new, unwrapped toys, or you can deliver them straight to the Police Department on Grandview Road.
The Front Porch Grill is offering Breakfast with Santa Dec. 14 at their location on Deatsville Highway across from Winn Dixie beginning at 7 a.m. You can drop off your donation at that time as well. Bring the kids and grandkids and enjoy a visit with Santa Claus.
If you have any questions regarding Blue Santa, contact the office non-emergency line at 285-5603.
