When the Farmville Police Department says Operation Blue Christmas, don’t be alarmed. The police officers you see gathering at Walmart have Christmas in mind. Their goal is to bring holiday cheer to local youngsters who might not receive gifts or other necessities during the holidays.

“We’re serving 10 children this year,” Cpl. J.E. Talbott said. “The Prince Edward Department of Social Services helps us coordinate children for the program.”

Started five years ago by the Farmville Police Department, the annual event pairs an officer with each child. On a selected shopping day, officers become Santa’s helpers.

Talbott explained the logistics.

“We meet at Walmart and put one officer and a social

worker with each child — then we go shopping,” Talbott said. “That shopping is the culmination of intense scheduling and multi-agency cooperation. The program would not be possible without logistical assistance from Prince Edward Social Services.”

Each child gets $200 to spend, $100 for necessities and $100 for toys.

“We help them keep track of the money,” Talbott said.

Talbott explained that Operation Blue Christmas is a donation-based program.

“The Farmville Police Department does not solicit donations; however, we do accept donations,” Talbott, who has headed the project for the past three years, said.

This year local businesses that made donations include Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Soaker’s Car Wash, Fred Meadows Logging and the High Bridge Strutter’s Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Several individuals, including Linda Meadows, Thomas McCracken, Mary Llewellyn and Shirley Huskey, also donated as well as some who wished to remain anonymous. 

This year Taco Bell provided an extra donation.

“Taco Bell put a new twist on things by feeding everyone after we shopped,” Talbott said.

The program coordinator is also pleased with the way the annual event has evolved.

In five years the program has expanded from two officers taking two children shopping to this year’s event held Dec. 15 with 10 young shoppers and as many police officers and social workers.

“I cannot stress enough how important these donations are to the program,” Talbott said.  “How much money we receive in donations directly affects how many children we can help at Christmas time.”

“I’m very proud of our guys for doing this,” Farmville Police Chief Curtis Davis said. “They organize everything and do all the work.”

“The smiles on the faces of these children are priceless,” Talbott said.  “Just to interact with them and shop brings out the holiday spirit in everyone.” 

Operation Blue Christmas helps youngsters view police officers not only in their role as law enforcers but as friends — not to mention Santa’s helpers.