Blue Santa Program Doubles Number of Children Served in Longview | Local news

LaToya Addison held back tears Monday night as she took her three children to Walmart off Loop 281 in Longview. Each of her children received $ 100 to spend on Shop with a Cop for Longview Police Department’s Blue Santa program.

“We lost everything in the April flood,” Addison said. “We had to start over. “

Addison said she works nights to look after the three children.

“I’m just very excited,” she said.

Children and families arrived early, receiving Christmas stockings and a free stuffed animal from the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center. Monday was the first of three days for shopping with a cop, said Luke Altman, Longview police officer and chair of the Blue Santa program.

“We have over 140 families this year,” said Altman, more than double the number in 2020.

On Monday, Altman said the program will serve 343 children over three days with a total of $ 35,000 in funds raised. In the past, the goal was to help 100 children and approximately 150 children were served in 2020. Altman pays tribute to the generosity of the community.

“Fundraising events and donations make this possible,” he said.

The families took photos with Santa, dressed in a blue suit, and were matched with Longview police officers. Thanks to Blue Santa, the police select needy children whom they encounter throughout the year to receive Christmas presents.

Laughter and excitement could be heard in the toy aisles, and the children handed over toys to the officers after carefully selecting what they wanted and weighing their options.

8-year-old Zachariah Holt looked at a pack of four Halo figures in the toys section when he noticed it had been broken into and one of the figures was missing its weapon. He told his mother, Latoya Addison, that someone had stolen part of the toy.

“He’s a cop, isn’t he,” Zachariah said, pointing to the Longview police sergeant. Dennis Phillips. Addison laughed and the two made jokes about the crime investigation.

“I did it last year, and it was very humbling,” Phillips said. He said he was surprised to see children choosing simple things like blankets, rather than just toys.

Addison helped her eldest son Raydon Williams, 12, select toys.

“He’s autistic,” she said, noting that he becomes obsessed with certain types of toys for a while. Right now he likes Bayblade, Pokemon, and a few other things.

“Alakazam! I want this, ”he said, adding a few Pokémon cards to the basket.

Zion Holt, 10, started playing volleyball this year and selected a ball with Phillips. She also selected toys and art supplies.

Agent Les Sheridan helped Dawn Polk and her children, Kyle Williams, 10, and Sierra Bias, 10 months.

“I became a cop to help my community,” said Sheridan. “It’s one of those times when I can go out and hang out with them and get to know these people.”

Sheridan said he works the night shift and doesn’t often have the opportunity to interact with the community and mingle.

As they walked down the aisles, Polk noted that Sierra loves toys that light up. Kyle told Sherridan he would like a little stunt drone and a Spiderman video game.

“It takes the stress away from you,” Polk said of the program. “You know there’s not much you can do and you really want your kids to have a good Christmas. That’s wonderful.”

The Gregg County Sheriff‘s Office and other departments have volunteered. Chuck Boyce from the Tyler Police Department came to support Altman.

Boyce punched an 8-year-old boy he was shopping with.

“We’re like Starsky and Hutch,” Boyce said.

When Altman got involved with Blue Santa, Boyce served as his mentor as he walked through the program.

“Love it,” Boyce said of the program and the support given to other departments. “I know half the guys here.”