The San Marcos Police Department and the San Marcos Community and Police Association have begun preparing for the holiday season and have opened applications for the 2026 Blue Santa program.
The gist
Applications open at noon on Oct. 9. The Blue Santa program has provided children and families in San Marcos with Christmas gifts for more than 50 years, according to a news release.
The program is funded through community donations, local businesses, organizations and community partners. Only 550 applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for the 2026 Blue Santa season.
The San Marcos Police Department saw an increase in demand for the program last year, with more than 700 applications submitted.
“Blue Santa is about much more than toys,” said Blue Santa Program Coordinator Laray Taylor in the release. “It is about neighbors helping neighbors and making sure local children experience the joy of Christmas.
The application limit will help Blue Santa manage available resources and ensure the program can fulfill its commitments to families accepted into the program.
The details
Blue Santa program applicants must meet the following requirements to be included:
Children must be 12 years of age or younger
Children listed on the application must be permanent residents of the applicant's home
Applicants must live within San Marcos city limits or in San Marcos CISD
Immigration status is not considered when determining program eligibility
Applicants must provide complete and accurate information
“We are grateful for the continued generosity of our community and the many individuals, businesses and organizations that make this program possible,” Taylor said in the release.
Another thing
The application window will close on Nov. 12 at 4 p.m. or when 550 applications have been received. Families accepted into the program will receive a postcard by mail with information about when and where to pick up their gift package on Dec. 19.
Community members can volunteer to help wrap gifts on Nov. 3, Nov. 10 and Nov. 17.
