Santa Cop Toy Program

What is the Santa Cop Toy Program?

The Mesquite Police Santa Cop Toy Program is an annual event that began over 40 years ago.  In 1975, Mesquite Police Officer Reese Bullard was assigned to a low income apartment complex and knew of several families that were unable to provide Christmas gifts for their children.  Moved with compassion, he began a way for law enforcement to assist those families in need and vulnerable in their own community.  This officer made arrangements for these families to receive Christmas gifts and each year the need grew. In 1982, the program went city wide.  It has continued to grow each year. Last year the Santa Cop Program provided gifts for over 1,200 children from over 380 different families.

The mission and purpose of the Santa Cop Toy Program is to provide assistance during the Christmas season to disadvantaged children and families in Mesquite and the surrounding communities served by the Mesquite Independent School District (MISD).  Patrol officers and MISD school counselors select the disadvantaged families.  Once they have been selected, they attend a special Christmas holiday presentation involving Mesquite police officers, MISD school district personnel, Citizens Police Academy volunteers, students and many more community volunteers.  This festive event provides a generous amount of age appropriate and donated toys to give to these needy children.  

How can you help with Santa Cop?

 
The success of the Santa Cop Toy Program would not be possible without the generous support of the community. The Santa Cop Toy Program is funded entirely by donations from Mesquite Police Officers and community partners. This year’s fundraising goal is $40,000. We can only achieve this goal with the goodwill and support of Mesquite residents, businesses, and civic groups in the community. Through your generous contributions, Santa Cop will provide families with toys for over 1,000 children, from the ages 2 to 12.

The Santa Cop Toy Program will run from November 15, 2022 through December 9, 2022. Anyone wishing to make donations can drop off new, unwrapped toys at the lobby of the Mesquite Police Department or can send a monetary donation to Mesquite Police Department, c/o Santa Cop, P.O. Box 850137, Mesquite, TX 75185-0137.

Citizens may also donate to the Santa Cop Toy Program by visiting the City of Mesquite donation page at the link provided below. https://www.cityofmesquite.com/1677/Donations 
 
If you own a business, please take a few minutes to review the business sponsorship form. There are many levels to donate and support Santa Cop. If you choose to donate, complete the form and send an email to santacop@mesquitepolice.org.

An officer associated with the Santa Cop Toy Program will contact you or your business and make arrangements to pick up your generous donation. For more information, you can contact the department at email santacop@mesquitepolice.org. 

Please click here to view Santa Cop poster.

How can you volunteer to help with Santa Cop?

Santa Cop is always in need of volunteers. For more information on volunteering send an email to santacop@mesquitepolice.org

How are families nominated for Santa Cop?

Families needing assistance are nominated by Mesquite police officers, firefighters, city employees or MISD counselors. Santa Cop does not accept families who are signed up for other similar programs.

Santa Cop Events:

Windsor Florist Christmas Toy Drive & Open House
Date: TBD
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM Come & Go
Location : Windsor Florist; 201 W Main St, Mesquite, TX 75149

Santa Cop Toy Parade
Date: Saturday, December 3
Registration Starts at 9:00AM
Toy Parade begins at 11:00AM
Start Location: Family Cathedral of Praise; 790 Windbell Cir, Mesquite, TX 75149
Please click here to view the flyer

The Stooges Car Club Annual Toy Drive 
Date: Sunday, December 4
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Mesquite City Hall; 757 N Galloway Ave, Mesquite, Texas 75149
Please click here to view the poster