Blue Santa brings joy, builds trust in community

Russell Korman Jewelry on Burnet Road hosted Acevedo, Austin Fire Department Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr and Mr. and Mrs. Blue Santa Dec. 5. The store is offering 10 percent off purchases made by customers t bring in a donation.

"We have a love for children's charities," Hank Koreman, brother of Russell Korman, said. "We're involved in quite a few [charities] and we love our police department so it was kind of natural to get involved."

The charity will mean even more this year for Austin Police Department because it's a way to maintain a connection with the community during times of tension after the deaths of black males in other cities at the hands of police officers.

"When you look around the country as it relates to law enforcement, it's challenging times," Acevedo said. "A lot of heated debates and discussions are going on and it's really an opportunity for us in Austin to build those bonds of trust, mutual respect and cooperation and planting seeds for the future."

The donations will be delivered to families Dec. 20. Families in need can apply every year to be a part of Blue Santa. The application period ended at noon Dec. 5.