By Sarah Stephens
Elmore Autauga News
Next week, the Millbrook Police Department will begin accepting applications for families that need help with providing Christmas presents for their children in Millbrook and surrounding areas.
However, Tuesday night the funds to help pay for those presents got a tremendous boost in the form of $18,000 from the Punishers LEMC Three Rivers Chapter. The Punishers organization is an international motorcycle club made up of police officers, military, first responders or like-minded individuals. Members arrived at Millbrook Police Station to deliver the check in person to Chief P.K. Johnson.
The Punishers LEMC Three Rivers Chapter members have been a big supporter of Operation Blue Santa for the past seven years. In that time approximately $75,000 has been donated to help provide presents, including bicycles and other surprises.
Their original participation in the event stemmed from discussion between Johnny Stiles and his wife Melissa. She has worked with the Millbrook Police Department for many years.
They set a goal for the first year and surpassed it. Goals have been surpassed every year, as the Punishers LEMC local group has hosted the Blue Santa Ride, auction and events dedicated to Operation Blue Santa.
It is the entire community support that has always been present that amazes Millbrook Police Chief Johnson.
Each year, many businesses, civic groups, churches and individuals have always come together to support Operation Blue Santa, by donating new, unwrapped toys or cash/check donations. All the money is used specifically for purchasing items for Christmas presents for area children. “There are not enough thank yous, to be honest.”
If you are interested in helping, you can drop a new, unwrapped toy at the Millbrook Police Department now until about two weeks before Christmas. Or you can make a donation. If that donation is made by check, please earmark it for Millbrook Police Department with an indication it is for Operation Blue Santa.
“I am always amazed at the community support we have received over the years for this project, and it just keeps getting better,” Chief P.K. Johnson said.
He reflected on the humble beginnings, before the project even had an official name.
“In our line of work, we often come across families that are having a really hard time financially,” Johnson said. “When I first joined this department in 1996, even back then, there was a group of officers and city employees that would throw in their own money to provide something special for a few families.”
Eventually, the idea to create an official event where the community could take part was presented by Lt. Don Pugh, Johnson said. “He is really the one that got behind this and created the original idea. We just had no idea what it would turn into. And it is amazing to know that thousands of kids in our area have received something for Christmas, in situations where that might not have been possible.”
Today Johnny “Riddler” Stiles is not just a past president of the local Punishers LEMC Three Rivers chapter, but also serves as the National Enforcer Captain for the agency in the United States. Most years since the local Punishers became involved, they have been joined by International Punishers President John Boyan for the annual Blue Santa Ride locally.
“We are very proud and appreciative of the support the community has shown us for our Blue Santa events,” Stiles said. “We support a lot of community needs and agencies throughout the year, but the Operation Blue Santa is near and dear to our hearts. We want to help our brothers in blue and the Millbrook Police Department to make this a bigger event each year and help as many needy families as possible.”
James “Pablo” Winters is the current president of Punishers LEMC Three Rivers Chapter.
“We could not have presented this check without the community support. All we have to do is ask, and they come with open arms. We so thank everyone who has supported us in our fundraisers and for being there for us.”
Millbrook Police officers, staff and Punishers members will begin shopping for Operation Blue Santa around mid-November and continue as more needs are assessed.
If your family is in need to help make Christmas bright for young children, beginning Nov. 4 you can pick up an application from the front lobby of the Millbrook Police Department. It must be filled out and returned as soon as possible to be included in the selection process.
If you want to donate a new, unwrapped toy or donation, please visit the Millbrook Police Department and drop off donations now through the middle of December.
