By Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News – See Photo Gallery below
Friday night the Millbrook Police Department hosted its ninth annual Operation Blue Santa at the Millbrook Judicial Complex. The room was filled with families, lots of presents and Santa Claus. Parents of the children from the Millbrook area picked up bags of toys and bicycles, while the children had a chance to visit with Santa Claus. The attendees also enjoyed some delicious milk and cookies as well.
Over 200 children were included this year. The most amazing sight to see will be the smiles of faces of the children as they open their presents on Christmas morning!
The International Blue Santa Claus, who is a member of The Punishers LEMC visited with all the children, hearing their wishes. There were also a lot of hugs and smiles.
Gina Pellegrino of Millbrook Domino’s Pizza provided a gift certificate for a complete meal to each of the families that picked up presents that night as well.
Thanks to the Millbrook Police Department, Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club Three Rivers Chapter, American Legion Post 133, Robinson Springs Church, Millbrook Presbyterian Church, Pest Pro, and many other businesses, clubs, and organizations. Because of their help, families in the area will have Christmas gifts to open this year.
Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson welcomed the large crowd in attendance. Council President Michael Gay, opened with a prayer. National Enforcer Captain with the Punishers LEMC Johnny Stiles spoke to families about the joined efforts of the Punishers LEMC and the Millbrook Police blessing the families each Christmas.
“This is the seventh year that the Punishers LEMC partnered with the Millbrook Police Department for their Operation Blue Santa Project,” said National Enforcer Captain, Johnny Stiles.
He continued, “We are immensely proud to be a part of this community and a huge thank you for all the sponsors. Thank you to everyone that bought raffle tickets, made donations, showed up and contributed to the Blue Santa Project. We cannot do the things we do in our community without their support. Our club motto says, “In service to others,”and we try to live up to that. We are already making plans next year Blue Santa fundraiser on Sept. 19th through the 21st. Mark your calendars and plan to have a wonderful time with us.” The EAN will have more details as the time draws near.
The Punishers LEMC raised $18,000 in donations and presented the check to the Millbrook Police Department earlier this month for the Operation Blue Santa Project.
American Legion Post 133 raised $4,333 in donations and presented a check to the Millbrook Police Department, and three boxes of toys from citizens who donated for the Blue Santa project.
Chief Johnson spoke to EAN about the importance of what the Blue Santa project is all about.
“This all started in 2015 by Lieutenant Don Pugh who wanted to help a couple of families that were in need for Christmas, and then nine years later it has blossomed in helping over 200 children this year,” said Johnson.
He continued, “As my boss, Mayor Al Kelley, often says, anytime you start thanking people somebody will inevitably get left out. That said, I would like to say Thank You to our partners, who’s hard work and generosity helped make Operation Blue Santa possible this year. Thank you to the Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle ClubThree Rivers Chapter, American Legion Post 133, Marty Bean and the Front Porch Grill, Millbrook Presbyterian Church, Robinson Springs Church, Welcome Food Pantry, Pest Pro, Montgomery Harley Davidson, Gina Pellegrino of Millbrook Domino’s Pizza, Vance Law Firm and the wonderful citizens in our community that partnered with us to make this worthwhile campaign a success. Last but certainly not least, I want to say Thank You to Captain 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. That is one of many things that makes Millbrook very special.
To everyone that participated in 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!”
If you took part in any of the fundraisers, toy drives, dropped off a toy, or took any part at all, thank you very much! Spreading Joy is what Christmas is all about! Merry Christmas!
