Criminal Justice students to assist with Operation Blue Santa

This year the needs are great. The Cowley College Criminal Justice students will once again be assisting with the Winfield Police Department’s Operation Blue Santa program. The Criminal Justice students will be sponsoring a drive to assist Operation Blue Santa between now and December 13, 2023.  

Operation Blue Santa is a program run by the Winfield Police Department that collects items for families-in-need and then uses officers and citizen volunteers to distribute them to the families prior to Christmas. This program helps the community in two ways. First and most importantly, it helps provide much needed items to families in need and assists children that may not have much for Christmas. 

Last year Operation Blue Santa was able to assist 42 area children and 16 families have a happy holiday. Second, it helps promote positive community relations between law enforcement and the community. Criminal Justice Students will be seeking the following items: Unopened toys for either boys or girls, gift cards to local establishments, or monetary donations.

After all donations are received, Criminal Justice students will team up with police department volunteers for a wrap night where all the gifts are wrapped. The program also provides holiday dinners and much needed household goods to each family. The dinners, household goods, and gifts are delivered by officers accompanied by a blue clad Santa just before the holidays.   

There are many ways to be charitable over the holidays but Operation Blue Santa not only helps families directly but also promotes positive community interaction. There are two ways to contribute to Blue Santa. 

First, donations can be brought to the collection point at Ireland Hall between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. any day that classes are in session. Second, any donation can be given directly to any Criminal Justice student and they will bring it to Ireland Hall. 

Donations need to be in prior to 4 p.m. on Wednesday December 13. For questions about the program or donations please call Criminal Justice instructor Frank Owens at 620-441-5285.

Rama Peroo | Director of Institutional Communication
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
rama.peroo@cowley.edu