Blue Santa's On His Way
MPD's Blue Santa Program Brings Holiday Cheer to Area Children
When METRO Police Lieutenant Ted Naradovy first donned a blue Santa suit and joined colleagues to visit children and families in need, it was supposed to be a temporary assignment.
"I was actually filling in for someone that year. Look at me now. It's been more than a decade and I'm still wearing the suit," he chuckled.
METRO's Blue Santa program has evolved over the years. It began as an informal public outreach effort spearheaded by a few METRO police officers who took it upon themselves to deliver food and gifts to struggling families during the holidays.
Today, METRO Blue Santa is an official 501(c)(3) non-profit that raises thousands of dollars for local hospitals and community organizations. This year, it raised over $5100 for Bo's Place, a non-profit bereavement center that offers grief support services for adults, children, and families who have lost a loved one.
Blue Santa board member Jacqueline Gil says the group relies solely on fundraisers and donations. "Much of our funding comes from the generosity of METRO employees," she said. "Mechanics, bus operators, planners, and executives — everyone pitches in to help. Without them, we couldn't pay for the parties and gifts for the kids."
Naradovy says he relishes the role and has many fond memories, but he vividly recalls one visit with a young girl at Children's Memorial Hermann hospital.
"As I greeted her and prepared to give her a gift, she handed something to me and said, 'Santa, I actually have a present for you!' It caught me by surprise and I found myself almost unable to speak because I was so choked up with emotion. I just gave her a big Santa hug, held back tears and thanked her. Her gift to me was a handcrafted foam door hanger of Santa Claus. It still hangs on my office door and reminds me each day of what a visit from Blue Santa means to the children."
Originally featured in METRO Connections: December 2017. Click here to subscribe to future issues.