UT Police’s detachment unit in Bastrop has supported the local community by raising funds and donating toys for families in need since 2017. Operation Blue Santa provides toys and donations for families in need during the holiday season.

In December, UT Police’s Bastrop team once again partnered with the Bastrop Association of Sheriff’s Employees for Operation Blue Santa.

“Our Bastrop campus looks forward to this each year as a great way to partner with other law enforcement agencies to benefit children in the community,” Captain Wayne Smith said.

Staff members and colleagues with The Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research in Bastrop raised over $2,400 and collected two large boxes of toys for residents in Bastrop County.

“This was a record-breaking year for our donations”, says Smith.

The donations mirror efforts by UT Police staff in Houston who organize the annual Children’s Gift Drive, benefiting pediatric patients of UTHealth Houston Behavioral Sciences Campus and children at University Housing.