Santa Wears Blue: Police Cruisers Act as Reindeer in Annual Gift Delivery

A string of police cars converged on four pre-determined residences this morning. But nobody fled.  In fact, they were eagerly awaited.

Neighbors may have wondered what brought such a police presence to their area, but the families inside were looking forward to presents from officers  conspiring to give them a merry Christmas.

About a dozen officers Thursday morning delivered $1,200 worth of food, toys, clothing, shoes and gift cards to La Mesans who could use a little extra help this year.

The department's 18th annual caravan of gifts supplied four families—and a total of 11 children—with frozen turkey and presents. Thirty-two families have been helped over the years.

Capt. Dan Willis, who coordinates the program, told each family: “This is from the everyone at the La Mesa Police Department.”

Indeed, he said, elves from through the department donated money, and helped him shop for and wrap the gifts.

“We feel very close to the community,” Willis said, "We feel and appreciate their support. They would be there for us, so this is a small thing for us to pay back their support when they need a little extra help. The police are here to help people with their problems. ... We say that we are here to protect ... life, and here we can enhance the quality of a few lives.”

Families were referred by the La Mesa Community Welfare Association and school resource officers. Households were asked what they needed, and officers shop using the money donated by police employees.

“It's another way for us to connect,” Willis said. “Perhaps the children will remember this as one of their best Christmases.

When you see the kids dressed up in their best clothes and see the smiles from ear to ear, it definitely warms the heart. This is what Christmas is all about.”