Officer Santa program in La Salle delivers gifts to more than 100 kids

La Salle’s Officer Santa program delivered gifts to more than 100 children and 40 families this Saturday.

This year marks the organizations 10th anniversary. ​Officer Santa was established to provide children with items such as toys, coats, shoes, pajamas and anything essential.

Mckenzie Smith, a records clerk with the La Salle Police Department, said on gifts alone, the organization spent $16,200, however, the amount does not reflect what was spent on supplies needed to wrap the gifts or grocery gift cards given to each family.

Families that participate in the program provide officers with lists of needs and wants. The volunteering officers then go shopping and pick out items from the list with the group doing its best to ensure the gifts bought for the children include items they need and items they want.

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Officer Santa stands in front of a city of La Salle police cruiser on Saturday, December 14, 2024; ahead of delivering presents to more than 100 local children. (Maribeth Wilson)