December 17, 2004

Arlington Police host holiday party for needy families

        Santa Claus, Arlington police employees and members of the Arlington Police Association will deliver gifts to 315 families tomorrow as part of the 19-year Santa Cops tradition.

        The party will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec.18 at the Arlington Convention Center (also a Santa Cops partner) at 1200 Ballpark Way.

        For the second year in a row, Santa Cops partnered with Arlington Children's Toys, Inc. Together, they raised more than 3,000 toys for 1,000 children and 315 families

        Santa Cops began as a way to promote positive interaction between Arlington police officers and children. Officer Seth Archer, Santa Cops coordinator, said providing toys and food to needy Arlington families helps them enjoy a happy holiday season.

        "We recognize the considerable need that many families have, especially at this time of the year," Archer said. "Police officers get into this line of work to make a difference and we believe that Santa Cops does make a difference. We really enjoy seeing the smiles on the kids faces and knowing that their families are also receiving food and necessity items."

        Staff members at 16 Arlington Independent School District schools select the families for the Santa Cops program. Each family is invited to the Christmas party at the Arlington Convention Center where they receive toys, food and other gifts and essentials. The party includes music, punch, cake, cookies, door prizes, and of course, Santa Claus. Uniformed officers attend the party to meet the children and their families and to hand out gifts.
        
        Archer said the Santa Cops volunteers were astounded and pleased to see a record number of organizations and businesses partnering with them to contribute to the success of the effort. This year's partners include: the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, Bailey Junior High, several high school service organizations, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Chick-fil-A, Dental Health Associates, Pope Elementary School, Dillard's, Shurgard Self Storage, Johnnie High Country Music Revue, J.E. & Associates, Crescent Real Estate Equities, Lamplighter Sunday School class at First United Methodist Arlington, Broadway Plaza at Pecan Park, and the Arlington Professional Firefighters Association.

For more information: Officer Seth Archer, 817/432-8632