Last Thursday, the El Monte Police Officers Foundation successfully hosted its second annual “Operation Blue Santa.” The event is part of an ongoing effort to bring holiday joy and essential support to needy families in the El Monte community. Building upon the foundation laid during its inaugural year, this edition of Operation Blue Santa significantly expanded its outreach, aiming to assist 20 families who are facing hardship during the holiday season.

At the heart of this year’s event was a significant increase in the distribution of resources to the selected families. Each of the 20 families benefited from the program; ten received gift cards that could be used to purchase groceries and toys for children. Another segment of families participated in a Secret Santa Cash giveaway, where ten families received $500 each. This direct financial assistance was aimed at alleviating some of the economic pressures these families face during the holiday season.

Moreover, the celebration included an exciting opportunity for five families who had the chance to receive a new Xbox. These gaming consoles were generously donated by Arnold Barboza Jr., a professional boxer from El Monte, adding a special touch to the festivities.

Leading the event were Foundation President Detective Adam Girgle and El Monte Police Chief Jake Fisher. Detective Girgle, serving as this year’s “Blue Santa,” and Chief Fisher rode in the department’s Bearcat SWAT vehicle, affectionately dubbed “Blue Santa’s Sleigh” for the day. Their presence underscored the community’s solidarity and the police department’s commitment to serve and support their community members during the holiday season. Together, they led a festive caravan across El Monte, delivering gifts directly to the homes of the recipient families.

The event took place from 3 PM to 8 PM at the El Monte Police Department located at 11333 Valley Boulevard. It provided not only material support to families but also a joyful, communal celebration that brought together various stakeholders in the community. Volunteers from the El Monte Police Officers Foundation, along with local officials, gathered to coordinate the day’s logistics, ensure the safe delivery of gifts, and share in the communal spirit of generosity and goodwill.

Operation Blue Santa has quickly become a significant annual event for the El Monte community, demonstrating the strong ties between the local police force and the residents they serve. With each passing year, the hope is to continue growing the event, supporting an increasing number of families and strengthening community bonds during the holiday season and beyond. This year’s success sets a promising precedent for future endeavors, echoing the community’s resilience and mutual support.