November 29, 2011 - Houston Police Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr. and Houston Texans Pro-Bowl Wide Receiver Andre Johnson announced today (Nov. 29) the official kickoff of HPD's annual Blue Santa Christmas Program. 

Photos of today's announcement are attached to this news release. 

The purpose of today's event at HPD Headquarters was to encourage public support for the Blue Santa Houston program and encourage Houstonians to donate to Blue Santa to assist as many underprivileged families assisted as possible through community donations and corporate sponsorships.  Donations provide more toys for underprivileged youth in our community. 

Since 1984, the Blue Santa Houston Program has delivered thousands of gifts, toys and holiday cheer to needy children and their families.  The program is expected to provide toys to more than 12,000 kids.  Johnson has graciously donated autographed memorabilia to Blue Santa Houston to be auctioned to raise funds this year to provide toys to children in need. 

"This is a great time of year for the Houston Police Department," said Chief McClelland.  "This program grew out of a need to give underprivileged kids toys for Christmas.  We certainly want to thank Andre Johnson for taking time out of his day to partner with us," added Chief McClelland. 

Andre Johnson said this program is a team effort, "I'd like to thank HPD for having me here and partnering with me again.  Hopefully we can help a lot of kids in the community this year." 

Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor, or wishing to make a donation, is asked to contact Officer Martha Bailey at the Blue Santa Hotline at 713-247-8730.