DALLAS (1080 KRLD) - For nearly four decades, Dallas police have helped Santa out though the Santa Cops program.
Launched in 1984, the program raises gifts and food for families in need in Dallas County. While on duty, cops make note of families who seem like they're struggling and could use a helping hand. They're then nominated for the program. This year, Senior Corporal Andrea Arredondo says officers have seen a huge surge in need.
"We typically service about 500 families a year," Arredondo says. "We got nominations well over 600 this year. The bad part is our donations were down, because a lot of people are struggling. People who would have normally donated to Santa Cops are not because they're trying to take care of their own households, and then the demand is higher because a lot of people have lost their jobs this year."
Still, police were able to meet every order that came in. They're preparing the presents today and tomorrow morning starting at 8 a.m., officers will be out delivering gifts to more than 600 families.
"We're super thankful," Arredondo says. "It might not be as much as we normally would … but kids are still going to get a pretty good Christmas."
