GALVESTON, TX - The large banquet room in The Roof Garden in downtown Galveston was packed, wall-to-wall with toys Thursday as volunteers packaged and wrapped them for distribution to families throughout the island city whose children would otherwise be without Christmas toys.
Galveston Police Officer Joey Quiroga, coordinator of the department's Blue Santa Program says 400-500 families will be recipients of the toys in 2011 and he thanks a long list of individuals and businesses for the success of the program.

Among them are: Moody Bank, Wal-Mart, Friendswood Police Department, Academy Sports and Outdoors, Target, Kempner Foundation, The Lighthouse Cooking Team, Houston Meat Distributors, Nia Cultural Center, Boat Services of Galveston, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Galveston, San Luis Hotel, Hilton Hotel, Budwiser Beer Distributors, Miller Beer Distributors, The Roof Garden, Hometown Bank, Mario's Restaurant, 61st Street Diner, 21 Martini Bar, Rudy and Paco's Restaurant, Cruz Cortez Clothiers, Ocean Dance Photography and Irene Quiroga, The Spot Restaurant and Bar, Teachers at KIP Academy, John Ford Jewelers, The Police News, Hess Toy Company, Fat Cat Cleaning Service, Galveston Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, Best Buy, Salty Dog's Motorcycle Club, The Banditos, Sgt. Joe Rodriquez of the Marine Reserves Toys For Tots Program,

"Last year Blue Santa donors and sponsors provided more than 4,000 toys and bikes to underprivileged children in Galveston.  This year the need is even greater," stated Galveston Police Officer Joey Quiroga.  "Island families are still affected by Ike in addition to the tough economic conditions.  We need the community's support to provide gifts to children who might otherwise receive little or nothing this Christmas," Quiroga added.

Children and families were nominated for this program by school administrators and social service agencies as well as Galveston Police officers and firefighters.  Donations from the community are matched to each child and family on the list.  

Donations to the Blue Santa Program are still being accepted.  To make a child's Christmas special please call Officer Quiroga at 409-256-0762 or bring donations to the Roof Garden tomorrow and Friday.

Breck Porter
www.ThePoliceNews.net