FAMILIES CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT “SANTA COP”

TUSTIN, Calif. – On December 12, 2013, The Tustin Police Department held its 24^th annual Santa Cop party.  This program provides children in the Tustin community presents to open on Christmas day.

 Approximately 24 years ago, a Tustin Police Department employee came up with the idea to help families with limited resources provide presents to their children.  The Tustin Unified School District assisted the Police Department by providing names of families needing assistance.  Police employees also submitted names of families they came in contact with in the field.

 The first Santa Cop program kicked off with twelve families.  It grows every year and last night, we were able to provide presents to 157 children who wouldn’t have otherwise had a present to open.   The families were provided dinner and Santa made a special appearance bringing Holiday joy and gifts.  The children enjoyed face painting, balloon hats and popcorn throughout the evening. 

The smiles on the faces of the children when Santa arrived with presents made it a very special evening for all of those in attendance.

The Tustin Police Department would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Santa Cop program.  It would not have been possible without the time given and donations by the following organizations:

 Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Kiwanis Club of Tustin, Tustin Host Lions Club, T.E.A.M. (Tustin Effective Apartment Managers), Golden West College Police Academy Recruits, Executive Director Cherrill Cady, Miss Tustin and her Court, D.J. Omar, Tustin Police Explorers, Tustin Police Volunteers, City of Tustin employees, and local businesses and residents.  Dinner was provided by Roma D’Italia restaurant and the face painting and balloon hats were provided by Clowning Around Entertainment.  

 The Tustin Police Department wishes the community of Tustin a joyous, peaceful, and safe Holiday Season.