AUSTIN, Texas — Austin police officers delivered holiday gifts to young patients at St. David’s Children’s Hospital on Monday as part of the department’s Operation Blue Santa program.
The visit comes just days after the program’s citywide distribution effort, which served more than 5,000 Austin families in need this holiday season.
“That’s what Christmas is. It’s the spirit of Christmas,” said Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, who oversaw Saturday’s main distribution event where volunteers delivered 3,900 boxes of toys and gift cards for food to families across the city.
Operation Blue Santa, which began in 1972 when two patrol officers identified 20 families on their beat who couldn’t afford Christmas gifts, has grown into a major charitable initiative…