Levelland law enforcement will be holding a Blue Santa Fundraiser at the upcoming Thunder on the Plains car show Aug. 15.
Officers from the Levelland Police Department, Hockley County Sheriff’s Office and Texas state troopers will be taking turns in the “Dunk A Cop” booth throughout the day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All money raised will benefit the Blue Santa program that helps make Christmas brighter for local children and families.
Blue Santa is a charitable holiday program run by local police departments and volunteers to provide toys, food, and clothing to underprivileged children and families in need during the Christmas season. The name comes from the blue-colored Santa suits or Santa hats traditionally worn by participating law enforcement officers.
The Blue Santa tradition started in Texas, with early roots in cities like San Marcos and San Antonio, during the 1970s when officers noticed struggling families who could not afford holiday gifts.
Over the decades, variations of the Blue Santa program expanded to numerous cities and police agencies across multiple states as a way to build positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Locally, law enforcement officers usually have a breakfast with the assistance of local clubs and a shopping event for local children who are participating.