Operation Blue Christmas Gathers Gifts, Donations For Needy Families

Glendora Police is spreading some Christmas cheer through Operation Blue Christmas, a program providing assistance to some of Glendora’s needy families this holiday season.

Police Chief Rob Castro and Community Services Officer Nita Ulloa-Pedroni started Operation Blue Christmas by calling on employees, community businesses and local churches to donate what they could during tough economic times.

“Every day our officers come into contact with people in the community who are struggling during these difficult economic times,” said Glendora Police Chief Rob Castro in a press statement. “Christmas is a time for celebration, but some families are struggling just to put food on the table, let alone having presents for their children.”

For Ulloa-Pedroni, hearing about families who could not afford to give gifts during the holiday season sparked the desire to lend a helping hand.

“I’ve spoken with several families who told me they were not planning on having any gifts for their kids due to their dire financial situation,” said Ulloa-Pedroni in a written statement. “When I heard that, I knew the Police Department could help.”

According to Castro and Ulloa-Pedroni, the response from the community was immediate. Donations included $2,000 from the Mar Thoma Church, gift cards from the Azusa Target Store, food from Trader Joes, Christmas trees from Home Depot and books from Glendora Kohl’s. The Glendora Police Officers Association and Police Management Association donated money to go towards gifts and food.

The Police Department will continue to accept contributions to Operation Blue Christmas until Dec. 25. Contact Nita Ulloa-Pedroni at (626) 914-8268 for more information.