Operation Blue Santa

Blue Santa's mission is to identify and assist local children who need it most during the holiday season, while providing safety tips to all. This is achieved through with the goodwill and support of the Turlock community. Over the years Blue Santa has been able to deliver thousands of gifts and create positive experiences with hundreds of Turlock children through this program.

History

In 2012, the Turlock Police Department paired up with Turlock Police Activities League (PAL) and introduced Operation Blue Santa to the Citizens of Turlock. With the help of officers, volunteers, staff and community members, the program has grown to be a huge success.

Donation Opportunities

Donations that will assist Blue Santa include monetary donations, sponsoring a Turlock child or children, blue tissue paper, packing tape or grocery store gift cards. Due to COVID restrictions and other limitations, no barrels will be available to drop off new or used toys. Staff will only be able to accept toys from citizens and businesses who sponsor children. All donations are tax-deductible

Donations can be mailed, or dropped off by appointment to:

Attn: Crime Prevention Unit
Turlock Police Department
244 N. Broadway
Turlock, CA 95380

Family Referrals

Families are referred to Blue Santa by reputable sources such as school counselors, teachers, officers and other qualified personnel. For more information on how to refer a family in need, contact the Crime Prevention Unit.

Unfortunately, Blue Santa will not be able to accept every family, please help connect families to trained professionals and counselors who are standing by to offer personalized assistance. Help is free, confidential, available 24/7 and available in multiple languages.

2-1-1 of Stanislaus County 2-1-1
ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline (800) 422-4453
Childrens Crisis Center - FamilyLine (209) 577-4413
Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-7233
Family Justice Center (209) 525-5130

Anonymous Reporting Options

All children deserve to have a positive environment that is drug and violence free to learn and grow. This is not the case for many children and countless crimes remain unreported due to fear of retaliation and children feeling as though their voice will be not be heard or trusted. Look below for a list of our anonymous reporting options that adults, teens and children can use.
Stanislaus Area Crime Stoppers (866) 602-7463
Students Speaking Out (209) 521-4636
Turlock Police Department Tip Hotline (209) 668-5550 ext 6780

Articles and Testimonies

"The children who sent letters to Blue Santa didn't ask him for the latest toy or video game. They asked for the things many take for granted - a new bath towel, socks, shoes, a bed." - Modesto Bee, 2016

"One 11-year-old girl asked Blue Santa to pray for her family and to bring back her father, the version of him who isn't abusing drugs." - Modesto Bee, 2016

"This was my family's first year participating in the Blue Santa and I hope that we can make this a continuing tradition..." - Turlock Sponsor, 2020