GIFTS FROM THE BLUE
Blue Santa puts presents under tree
Navasota Police Department's Operation Blue Santa made Christmas wishes for over 90 children come true this year with the support of businesses and community members. Examiner photo by Ashely Bautista
Since 2019, Navasota Police Department’s Operation Blue Santa has brightened Christmas for many children who may otherwise awake to an empty tree.
With the help of generous donations from businesses and community members, the annual event has grown substantially each year. Operation Blue Santa (OBS) provides for students selected by Navasota Independent School District. A committee reviews the Christmas lists of the students recommended then patrol local stores to fulfill as many wishes as they can. This year 78 students were recommended and over 90 students received gifts.
Navasota Police Lieutenant Mike Mize, who helped develop the program in Navasota, said with the sponsorship donors OBS had this year, they were able to purchase multiple gifts for every child and give gifts to siblings of the selected elementary students.
“Reading the kids wish list, I see how much we need to help the less fortunate families in Navasota,” explained Mize. He said there is so much selflessness in the lists submitted by the children who often ask for gifts for their siblings or ask for essentials such as a bed or bedding accessories.
Children picked up their gifts from Blue Santa Thursday, Dec. 23. “When the parents and or children arrive to pick up their gifts and you see the huge smiles and tears, it makes the time we spend on this event worth it,” said Mize. “I can’t thank the sponsors and all the volunteers enough for making this operation a success.”
For the event to be successful each year it requires a lot of help from the community – from monetary donations, volunteers who shop for and wrap gifts, and those distributing the gifts.
Planning is already beginning for next year. Mize said he is looking for a larger location to host the event next year. He said the facility needs to be large enough to store gifts for the three-week event.
Mize also plans to meet with NISD counselors to see if there is a need to assist more students in the district. “With more help I think we can assist over 100 children,” said Mize.
For more information about Navasota Police Department’s Operation Blue Santa, visit the NPD Operation Blue Santa Facebook page. If you would like to donate or assist, email mmize@navasotatx.gov or call 936-825-6410.