Blue Santa began in Austin, Texas, in 1972, when two police officers realized that 20 families on their patrol beat would not have food or Christmas gifts for their children. They started a holiday outreach to help those families, and the effort grew into Austin Police Operation Blue Santa. 
In this video interview, retired Austin Police Officer Ernie Hinkle talks with Officer Joshua Visi about the early years of Operation Blue Santa.

Austin’s program describes itself as the first of its kind in the country. Since then, the tradition has spread to police departments and communities across the nation, bringing people together to support families during the holiday season. 

Austin County’s officers are carrying on the tradition!

City of Bellville Police Department Blue Santa

It’s that time of year again to pick up your application forms at the Bellville Police Department or City Hall.
All applications for children’s gift assistance must be turned in no later than December 4. Toy pickup and pictures with Santa will be at the Police Department on December 17.

All donations of new, unwrapped toys are welcome and may be dropped off at:

  • Bellville Police Department: 162 N. Chesley St., Bellville, TX 77418
  • Bellville City Hall: 30 S. Holland St., Bellville, TX 77418
  • Huntington Bank: 100 E. Main St., Bellville, TX 77418
  • Austin County State Bank: 436 S. Front St., Bellville, TX 77418
  • Bellville Chamber of Commerce:  118 S. Front St., Bellville, TX 77418

Sealy PD shifts Blue Santa to Shop with a Cop

Because of its temporary relocation and limited storage space, the Sealy Police Department is changing its usual toy collection to a Shop with a Cop event this year. The department cannot set out its regular toy donation boxes, but community members and groups who would like to support the event can contact Sealy PD at 979-627-6140.

Those wishing to participate must fill out the holiday assistance application. This event is only for families living within Sealy city limits with children ages 12 and under. Applicants must provide a utility bill in their name as proof of residency and a current, government-issued photo ID showing their name, address and photograph. Temporary paper IDs will not be accepted. School enrollment documentation is requested when applicable.

 

Wallis Police Department’s 13th Annual Kids, Cops and Christmas

This event helps families in need during the holiday season. It is for children ages 10 and under in the Wallis community. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee participation. Applications are available at Wallis City Hall and various businesses in town. A parent or legal guardian must complete and sign the form. Applications must be received by 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026. Late or incomplete forms will not be considered.

Completed forms may be dropped off at Wallis City Hall or mailed to:
Wallis Police Department
P.O. Box 190
Wallis, TX 77485

If an application is selected, the parent or legal guardian will be contacted using the phone number or email provided. The event’s date, time and location will be shared later.

Monetary donations can be made to the Kids, Cops and Christmas account at:
Huntington Bank
6207 Commerce St.
Wallis, TX 77485

New, unwrapped toys may be dropped off at Wallis City Hall or the Wallis Police Department, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Contact Information for the Wallis Police Department
6810 Guyler St.
Wallis, TX 77485
Phone: 979-478-7111
Fax: 979-478-6828
Email: [email protected]
Chief of Police: David Moseley

More information about donating or applying is available at WallisTexas.org/page/Police_Department_Home