APD Fills in For Christmas Bureau, Opens Investigation
The Austin Police Department's Blue Santa program is seeking donations for children this holiday season. Photo courtesy Blue Santa.By Tyler Pratt
Austin police announced today they will take over the nonprofit Christmas Bureau’s traditional role as Santa’s helper.
In the past, the Christmas Bureau has worked closely with Austin Police and the Travis County Sheriff to provide holiday meals and Christmas presents to needy kids and families.
But Chief Art Acevedo says the Christmas Bureau has failed in its fundraising and holiday preparations, and may have acted improperly. He’s promised an investigation. Meanwhile, his department’s Blue Santa program will take over responsibility for collecting and distributing donations.
“Nobody that makes a promise to a family, especially to a child, should break that promise,” Acevedo said. “We’ve got 6,000 families that are depending on Christmas Bureau. They are now depending on Blue Santa. And we are depending on you, Austin. Please step up. Please step out. And please help us bring joy and hope to a lot of young children.
For information about how to help, visit bluesanta.org.
