The San Marcos Police Department is kicking off its annual Blue Santa toy drive and is now accepting monetary donations and new unwrapped toys through Dec. 7.
Monetary donations and toys may be delivered to the San Marcos Police Department at 2300 S. IH-35, in San Marcos. Organizers appreciate all donations but request no stuffed animals or used toys be donated. Blue Santa will also be partnering this season with Five Below in San Marcos at 750 Barnes Dr. and in New Braunfels at 251 Creekside Crossing. Toy collection barrels will be located in each store.
Since 1972, the San Marcos Police Department’s Blue Santa program has provided toys to local children who might not otherwise have gifts for Christmas. Each year, the Blue Santa program provides gifts to 1,000-1,400 kids.
Applications
Applications for Blue Santa are available at the San Marcos Police Department at 2300 IH-35, the Southside Community Center at 518 S Guadalupe Street, WIC at 401 Broadway, and the Department of Human Services at 1901 Dutton Drive in San Marcos.
Applications can also be found online at www.sanmarcostx.gov/496/Apply. The deadline for applications is Dec. 10 at 5 p.m.
Volunteering
Blue Santa gift wrapping begins on Nov. 13 at 750 Barnes Drive Suite 100 (between Target and JC Penney’s). Volunteers are needed to wrap and package toys on the following dates:
- Tuesday, Nov. 13 6-8 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 20 6-8 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 27 6-8 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 4 6-8 p.m.
Toy Pick-up and Distribution
Toy pick up will be Friday, Dec. 21 and Saturday, Dec. 22 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. at 750 Barnes Drive Suite 100 (between Target and JC Penney).
Toys will be delivered by police officers and or members of the San Marcos Police Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association on Saturday, Dec. 23 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. for those unable to pick up their toys. People not home at the time of delivery will not receive their gifts.
For more information, contact Cpl. Laray Taylor at 512.754.2270.