Tyler Police Helps Nearly 300 with Blue Santa Program

TYLER — Santa got some help from Tyler police officers again this year with the annual ‘Blue Santa’ event. On Wednesday, TPD’s April Molina said this year 280 children shopped with officers because of a generous community that partnered with the department in a variety of ways. Molina told KTBB on Wednesday that, “Officer Chuck Boyce really makes this thing go, he is so active in our community. “

Molina says the payoff is immeasurable. “It’s always super sweet to be able to see the children actually go and get to pick things out, because maybe these are children who maybe they have had a negative experience with police officers, so having them able to go and pick out whatever they want; I don’t even really know how to describe it, they are just so excited.” This year Officer Boyce and the department implemented an additional initiative. “Silver Santa.” Silver Santa had officers show up at assisted living facilities with goodies and snacks and spent time with seniors in our community.