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November 24, 2009

CONROE - Blue Knights of Texas Chapter XXXIII's Operation Blue Santa is coming to Conroe for the third consecutive year, providing Christmas gifts and a unique experience to a special group of children.

The Blue Knights coordinate with Child Protective Services to select children in their system that might not have a Christmas otherwise. The second goal of the program is to encourage positive interaction between law enforcement and kids whose only previous contact with police officers has been related to a traumatic event in their lives.

The program is hosted by Conroe's Incredible Pizza Company, located at 230 S Loop 336 W. near Interstate 45, where the children, their parents or guardians, and older siblings arrive to watch a law enforcement parade led by motorcycles, with various law enforcement vehicles and Blue Santa making his grand entrance on a fire truck. (This year's parade will also include a special surprise!)

Once inside, the children will sit on Santa's lap for a keepsake photo. A wish list is completed by the child, parent or guardian in advance so they receive gifts they truly want. Each child also receives a $10 game card from Conroe's Incredible Pizza Company. Every member of the children's families will receive a free lunch and passes to play glow in the dark miniature golf.

Incredible Pizza Company and TPM Manufacturing, major sponsors of the Blue Santa event, are owned by Ed and Janette Blackburne and represented by Kim Valadez who has gone above and beyond to assist in the program each year.

The 2009 Blue Santa program is dedicated to the late Joe Cranfill and deceased CPS supervisor Terry Lee. Cranfill was our chapter vice-president who was killed in a January 10, 2008 motorcycle crash that left his wife Kassi with permanent debilitating injuries. Lee was instrumental in organizing the first Operation Blue Santa in 2007, but was brutally murdered in July of that year.

The Lone Star Chapter of Reguladores law enforcement motorcycle club is participating as in previous years, along with elected officials including Sheriff Tommy Gage and other community leaders and volunteers.

This year's Operation Blue Santa is the first under the leadership of new chapter president, John Lisle of the Houston Police Department Gang Division / Crime Reduction Unit. A couple of new groups have also volunteered their assistance this year. The Patriot Guard Riders, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Citizens Academy Alumni Association, and the Iron Pigs law enforcement motorcycle club are also welcome additions to the project.

Sponsors are still needed for this year's event. Groups or individuals can sponsor a child for $125, but donations of any amount are welcome. The deadline for contributions is Monday, November 30. Checks or money orders should be made payable to Blue Knights - Blue Santa and mailed to First Bank of Conroe, Attn: Toby White, 11399 Hwy 105 East, Conroe, Tx 77303.

Questions can be sent to blueknightstx33@aol.com