Operation Blue Santa delivers gifts

Not everyone is able to sit over a nice dinner or provide toys to their children this Christmas. 

Operation Blue Santa hopes to change that. Saturday morning, the Austin Police Department hand delivered toys and food to deserving families around Austin.

It was a cold morning for volunteers but it didn't stop them from warming hearts this Christmas

Chalesica Williams and her family didn't expect Santa Claus to come this early.

“You all caught me off guard,” Williams said.

APD Chief Art Acevedo, Santa and Mrs. Claus teamed up to deliver presents and food to families, and give them the Christmases they deserve. The gifts are a big plus to Chalesica and her baby girl Mekayla, It's the *spirit of the holiday that's most important to her.

“You don't always have to give a gift. Just as long as the kids know they are loved, that's all that matters,” Williams said.

House to house, Santa surprised families, quickly planting smiles on children’s faces.

“I wanted an action figure,” Jesus Isol, recipient, said.

Volunteer, Clinton Henderson, a World War II veteran who continues to give his time and love, after risking it all in war.

“I always love serving good people and this is just a really good feeling,” Henderson said.

The officers had a lot of help. Cars were lined up in droves, ready to deliver.

“There are high-end cars in that line and cars that may be on their last legs. It is such a diverse group of people” Steve Adler, mayor, said.

Organizers say they were able to provide for more than 15,000 children, and 5,000 families as a whole.It's just a way APD shows their jobs are not only to protect, but to serve and share the spirit of the holiday season.