History of the Program
The Christmas Basket Program began in 1961. When Christmas arrived that
year, Sgt. Joe Casey recommended to his fellow officers in patrol, that
they collect money that might normally be spent on exchanging Christmas
cards. That money would be used to purchase food for a needy family in
the city. Although the average officer made only about $262 per month,
enough was collected for two families to receive one basket of food apiece.
In 1963, Joy Pike and Carolyn Edwards, both civilian employees, using
their own money and donations from others, began collecting toys to be
delivered with the baskets. Three families received toys; bone being
to a family whose child's only request was to have a Slinky. Peggy Williams
later joined the "toy team" to add to its tradition. As each
year went by, the program grew as the need for assistance in the community
became more apparent. The baskets were delivered with a U-Haul truck
and it took all Christmas Eve to complete the deliveries.
From the generosity and kindness of employees today, the program has swelled. In 1998, 800 baskets of food were delivered to 150 families. Many additional baskets contained toys and warm coats for the children. Santa in blue has become a lasting memorial to the caring nature of four decades of police employees.