Kingwood family ends 24-year tradition with Blue Santa Program

KINGWOOD, Texas - A Kingwood family is concluding a 24-year tradition of spreading holiday cheer through the Houston Police Department's Blue Santa program, which provides toys to children and families in need.

For Mark and Jenny Micheletti, participating in the Blue Santa program has been a labor of love. This year marks their final time hosting the event, which has become a staple in the Kingwood community during the Christmas season.

The Blue Santa program, in collaboration with the Houston Police Department (HPD), aims to bring joy to those who might not otherwise experience it during the holidays.

"What I always loved about the program is that we get to go out and be part of the community," said HPD Officer Georganna Davis. "The officers individually find the families and organizations they want to support."

To fund the toys, HPD officers contribute money from their own paychecks. "The whole year they’re taking out of their paycheck, and we match whatever they need with toys," Jenny Micheletti explained. "They take those toys to the kids on their beat, and it helps the interaction between the police and these children."

Mark Micheletti added, "It’s an opportunity to give back. We’ve been very blessed in our lives, and we feel very fortunate. We know there are others who don’t have the same Christmas that our kids got to benefit from."

Beyond delivering toys, the Blue Santa program helps change the narrative around police officers. Over the years, officers have witnessed this tradition pass down through generations. "I have mothers who were part of Blue Santa when they were young, and now they have their own families and still remember the impact," Davis said.

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As the community gathers for this year's toy-raising event, it will be the last one hosted by the Micheletti family. "I’m so grateful for the 24 years they’ve been part of this program," Davis expressed. "The impact they have shown us and the support throughout the years have been incredible."

Jenny Micheletti reflected on the decision to end the large event: "It’s tough when you take all of your furniture out of your house and ask friends to help, and they can’t because of their own commitments. We will still do something, but we’re not going to have the big evening event anymore because it’s so labor-intensive."

While this year marks the end of the Micheletti's large-scale event, they plan to continue their efforts with a toy drive.

Houston Holidays