BY SARAH STEPHEN
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
PHOTOS BY SARAH STEPHENS, AMANDA PEVEY, MELISSA STILES AND THE PUNISHERS LEMC THREE RIVERS CHAPTER
A tremendous community effort and contributions to the 2021 Millbrook Police Department Operation Blue Santa event made is possible to provide hundreds of presents and dozens of bicycles to area children for Christmas.
Undoubtedly the biggest event since the program was created in 2015, Santa had a big help this year in delivering Christmas presents early to families for their children.
Each year once the program is complete, plans begin anew. This past year the Punishers LEMC Three Rivers Chapter played a huge part with multiple fundraisers and Friday night presented an $8,000 check to Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson.
But it took people from various communities, agencies, churches, businesses or just individual drop offs to make it a huge success.
“We had people that would come by the office to drop off a single present and say, ‘I wish I could do more, but I am having a rough myself.’ What I want them to know in their heart, is how much anything donated this year, or any year, is appreciated,” Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson told the EAN. “It takes a very special person to dig down deep and play a part in this when they are having financial problems themselves. It really has impacted me since we first started this program. And it just keeps getting bigger and better.”
It was a night for parents to come pick up the presents, and the community’s children to come visit with Santa, enjoy some milk and cookies, and remember what this Giving season is truly about. On Christmas morning, everyone that helped with donations and fundraising should know their efforts truly made a difference.
“For quite a while now the Christmas presents have taken up every bit of space available in the office,” Chief Johnson said with a chuckle. “It has been a little chaotic at times, no doubt. But to see this community come together on this level and reach out to families who are struggling this time of year is the best feeling. I want to thank everyone that was involved in this. I thank my staff who have worked tirelessly to make it the biggest year ever. And, yes, we are already planning for next year.”
Chief Johnson explained the origins of what is today Operation Blue Santa.
“Operation Santa, which is the brainchild of Lieutenant Don Pugh, came to existence in 2015, when Lieutenant Pugh wanted to build upon the Millbrook Police Department’s long tradition of helping families in need at Christmas time. Rather than a few officers pooling their funds together in hopes of helping a few families, we determined with the help of our businesses, churches, civic organizations and our wonderful citizens, we could do so much more.,” Johnson said. “Since 2015, thanks to the generosity of our community and a lot of hard work on the part of our staff and volunteers, we’ve made sure that hundreds of children, that may have not otherwise received a gift at Christmas time, had something under their tree on Christmas morning. This year was no different.”
Johnson said that during his 25 years with the department, the men and women of the Millbrook Police Department have always tried to assist a couple of families each year during Christmas.
“It’s just another way for us, as public servants to serve our community. Over the years, it seemed there was always more people that we’d like to help, but we didn’t have the resources. That changed in 2015, when Lieutenant Don Pugh approached me with the idea that is now Operation Blue Santa. Since that point in time, we’ve ensured that hundreds of children, who might not have otherwise received a Christmas gift, have something under their tree.”
Johnson continued, “As my boss, Mayor Kelley, often says, anytime you start thanking people somebody will invariably get left out. That said, I’d like to say Thank You to our partners, who’s hard work and generosity helped make Blue Santa possible this year.”
Thank you to the Punishers Three Rivers Chapter Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, Marty Bean and the Front Porch Grill, Saint Michael & All Angel’s Episcopal Church, Robinson Springs United Methodist Church, Pest Pro, Montgomery Harley Davidson, Guardian Credit Union, Millbrook Winn-Dixie, and citizens in this community that partnered with the department to make this worthwhile campaign a success.
“Last but certainly not least, I want to say Thank You to Lieutenant Jason Brosius and Mrs. Melissa Stiles, who spearheaded the department’s effort this year and our staff, who worked diligently over the past few weeks in support. Things like this take a lot of planning, time, money and effort. I am extremely proud and appreciative to be associated with so many people that have a servant’s heart. To everyone that participated this year and in years past and on behalf of the men and women of the Millbrook Police Department, Merry Christmas and May you and yours have a Safe and Prosperous New Year! Job Well Done!”
