APD hosts Operation Blue Santa to help less fortunate

ALBANY, Ga. – Local law enforcement came together just before Christmas to help more than a few families out as they finish up Operation Blue Santa.

Since Monday morning, Operation Blue Santa has helped serve over 200 kids and their families.

We caught up with Albany Police Chief, Michael Persley about the Blue Santa tradition going on five years.

“Some people do understand what it feels like not to get anything on Christmas Day as a child. Yes, that can be unfortunate at times. But, for what we want to do is we want to make sure that these children who come through and who have come through this through Operation Blue Santa that on Christmas morning, that they do have something nice,” said Chief Michael Persley, Albany Police Dept.

As well, we caught up with members of the Albany Police about putting smiles on families faces just before the holiday.

“It’s an opportunity for us to be transparent in the community. So, we enjoy working together on not just this event, but other community events. But, this is how we close our year out with Operation Blue Santa. Just come together for the kids, for the parents of those kids, and having a wonderful time,” said Dep. Chief Wendy Luster, Albany Police Dept.

We got to speak with some of the families shopping about getting a hand from local law enforcement this holiday season.

“It’s a real blessing today. Everything that’s happened is the first time she’s had an interaction like this with the police and how much we appreciate you all for protecting the children, for everything that happened today. It’s a blessing. And, she’s so thankful,” said Marisa Guadalupe, Albany.

“We’re super thankful to the Albany Police Department. It’s very thoughtful of them to think about the young Marines youth. Because it’s important for them for the kids to be able to do some shopping with the officers, to be grateful that we have the police officers serving our community,” said Adriana Crump, Albany.

And, as the kids and families get their presents, they’re thankful for law enforcement lending a hand this holiday season.

And, Chief Persley tells us between the two days of Operation Blue Santa and other community endeavors, the Albany Police Department (APD) has helped over 700 people this holiday season.

Brian Roche reporting.

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