BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS OWNER
Since 2015 the Millbrook Police Department has hosted Operation Blue Santa, a program that helps provide Christmas presents for children 15 and younger in our area. Since the inception of the program, thousands of children have received presents from “Santa” with the help of donations, community partners, churches, businesses and individuals.
Applications are now available at the Millbrook Police Department. The application deadline is Monday, Dec. 6 at 9 a.m.
The Punishers LEMC Three Rivers Chapter is helping this year by hosting a Christmas Party for area kids and their families Dec.17 from 6-8 p.m. The event will take place in the courtroom of the Al Kelly Municipal Building on Grandview Road. There will be milk and cookies, hot chocolate and snacks for the kids.
Throughout the past year, the Punishers have held fundraisers and will present those funds to the department. In the past, they have provided untold numbers of new bicycles and other gifts, in cooperation with Santa Claus, of course.
AND…Santa Claus will be at the Christmas Party to visit this year as well. Little known fact…Santa is an official member of the International Punishers Organization.
For parents who submit applications and are accepted, you will have the opportunity to make arrangements to pick up gifts at this event, or the following week until Wednesday, Dec. 23.
DONATIONS NEEDED! Please help this event by donating new, unwrapped toys for kids 15 and Under. Drop them off at the Millbrook Police Department, the Front Porch Grill or the American Legion Post 133.
Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson first came to the department in 1996 as an officer.
“During my tenure with this department, the men and women of the Millbrook Police Department have always tried to assist a couple of families with children that might not otherwise have gifts for Christmas,” Chief Johnson said. “It’s another way to serve and give back to our community. This program, Operation Blue Santa, is the brainchild of Lieutenant Don Pugh started in 2015, and has been an overwhelming success.”
The department went from assisting a few families, to HUNDREDS of children in our area each year.
Johnson said that by beginning the application process the program has been streamlined and helps more people with things that are specific towards their ages and the need as well.
