Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Santa Cops delivers again for families in community
For 48 families, this year will be one to remember as Westminster’s Police Department delivers gifts and joy for their Santa Cops program.
“The kids are nominated by police officers, victim advocates, school counselors and school resource officers who come across families in need,” said Investigator Luis Lopez. “We have many sponsors, such as churches, city employees, Westminster businesses and families, who buy clothes and toys for all the kids in these families.”
The children sponsored to be a part of the Santa Cops program have been through tough times, having lost parents, been victims of crimes or are homeless. The kids range in age from newborn to 17 years old.
Santa Cops sponsors include Barnes and Noble, who donated many boxes of books , Bombas Socks, and Frolic Brewing Company, who donated a percentage of sales from the first Wednesday of every month. Also helping the Santa Cops program was Wal-Mart who offered 10% off the purchase of items for the program and Lowes who sponsored many families.
“The sponsors have generously donated items, cash and gift cards to the Westminster Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association [WCPAAA],” said Lopez. “We then buy each child a pair of pants, a coat, a shirt, pair of shoes and several toys.”
Approximately 50 city employees, City Councilors and WCPAAA volunteers showed up at the Public Safety Center on Tuesday, Dec. 17, to wrap the stacks of gifts.
The presents are then delivered by Westminster police officers to the families on Wednesday, Dec. 18. On Friday, Dec. 20, the families also receive a turkey dinner with several side dishes courtesy of Tony Boselli, the owner of several McDonald’s restaurants in the Denver metro area.
“Our community and city employees give so generously of their time and money to help make this program happen,” said Lopez. “It helps give these kids and their families an amazing holiday.”