Published: December 09, 2008 09:51 pm      

Blue Santa seeks assistance as deadline looms

VIDOR — A program which helps those in need every holiday season is itself in need of a little assistance.

The Blue Santa Program of the Vidor Police Department has been an annual event for nearly 25 years. The program regularly offers assistance to the children of families which reside within the Vidor Independent School District, including Rose City and Pine Forest.

The deadline for families to register has already passed, and the deadline for toy donations, which happens to be Friday, is quickly approaching.

“We are still in dire need of toys for the children,” said Sgt. Aleta Cappen of the Vidor Police Department. “We barely had one table full of toys after Thanksgiving, but things are beginning to get better. We just need to make sure these last few days are really good, so all of these children can have a Merry Christmas.”

Cappen said the number of children which have been registered for this year's program is equivalent to the 2007 figure of 260 children, which happened to be more than double the 2006 number of children needing toys.

People wishing to donate a new, unwrapped toy may do so during normal business hours at the donation station inside the Vidor Police Department, which is located at 695 E. Railroad, and at the Vidor Public Library, which is located at 440 E. Bolivar.

Cash donations, which will be used to purchase toys prior to the distribution, are also being accepted at the Vidor Police Department. People who would like to donate money to the program may do so 24 hours a day in the lobby of the police station by making sure the funds are handed to the dispatcher on duty.

The 2008 Blue Santa Program has been a challenge like few others because of the current state of the economy, and another devastating hurricane has caused significant damage to much of Orange County.

Although some toys and items have been received, more items are needed, especially for two specific age groups.

“We are short on baby toys and items for the older kids,” Cappen said. “A lot of people may not realize we try to provide items for children through age 17, and this is an area we definitely need help.”

Cappen said items appropriate for this age group include electronics, such as hand-held games, remote control vehicles and MP3 players. Cash is also useful because appropriate items can be purchased prior to the toy giveaway.

“Parents typically make a wish list for their children, and we do our best to meet those needs,” Cappen said.



Reach this reporter at 409-883-3571, Ext. 2619 or tmann@orangeleader.com