Every year, the Round Rock Police and Fire Departments organize Operation Blue Santa to help families in need at Christmas. During December, volunteers from the community have been helping wrap and assemble care packages to be distributed on Friday, Dec. 19. Blue Santa collected toys for 490 families this year. Employees as always have played a big part in making the operation a success.

Blue Santa isn’t the only way employees have helped others this Christmas. For the third year in a row, the Water and Wastewater Line Maintenance Divisions have adopted families identified by the Round Rock Serving Center as needing special help.

“Every year we raise money for gifts and necessities like food and diapers,” says Chad Scott, utility crewleader.

The divisions adopted two families this year, both single mothers with five children between them. Workers delivered toys to the families on Dec. 18.

“We’ve also collected $560 and have put together two turkey dinners with all the trimmings,” says Chad.

Participation is voluntary and most of the workers decided to help out.

“We feel it is important to help the less fortunate during the holidays. No family should have to go without and every child should have a gift to open on Christmas morning,” says Chad.

Along with Chad, Mike Pompa, Gabriel Pizana, Jason Van Leuven and Joe Bingham helped organize the drive and choose the families to sponsor.

“We want to be sure to thank Sharon Paker and Kelli Timmerman for doing the shopping and wrapping the gifts,” says Chad. “It is absolutely amazing how  our employees are always willing to give so much from their hearts.”

Do you know of other efforts in the City to help others? Tell us about it!