FREEPORT, Texas — The Freeport Police Department’s annual Blue Santa Toy Drive faced an unexpected crisis this year when a rat infestation destroyed hundreds of donated toys. Since 2015, the Blue Santa program has brought Christmas joy to over 300 families each year, making the loss particularly devastating. Chief Jennifer Howell expressed her heartbreak over the situation, noting that the toys had to be discarded to ensure the safety of the children.
“Very heartbreaking to ultimately throw all those toys away, but after speaking to the CDC and the Department of State and Health Services, it just wasn’t worth any risk, for you know, any child to get sick,” Howell told Houston television station ABC 13.
However, the spirit of giving was revived thanks to Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame promoter Jim Luna. Luna, who also owns Quartermoon Productions and Kick’N-Chick’N Shack in Angleton, heard about the incident and decided to take action. He and his grandson Braxton delivered a total of seven industrial-size bags of toys collected at the Christmas Concert In The Park Toy Drive in Angleton on November 23. The event featured Tejano stars like Jay Perez, Avizo, Augustin Ramirez, Mike Gonzalez and the Iconiczz, Gabriella Martinez, and more.
Luna shared his experience on social media, highlighting the importance of teaching the next generation about the true meaning of giving. “Today, I showed my grandson Braxton the true meaning of ‘The Gift of Giving,’” Luna wrote. “The KICK’N CHICK’N and QMP Events along with many sponsors had a toy drive and concert, and many kind people brought us unwrapped gifts. We had reached out to several charities but no one had responded yet. This morning I read the headlines about Freeport Blue Santa program losing all their toys and I immediately knew why no one had called back. Dios es muy grande! I talked to Sgt. Cordona and we set up a delivery time this morning.”
The rat infestation was an unfortunate side effect of Hurricane Beryl, which caused significant damage to the city’s buildings, allowing the pests to infiltrate the storage facility. Despite this setback, the community’s generosity, led by Luna, ensured that the Blue Santa program could continue to bring smiles to children’s faces this holiday season.
For those who still wish to contribute, the Freeport Police Department is accepting toy and monetary donations to support the Blue Santa program.
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