Hawke's Bay police to become 'Blue Santas' for vulnerable families this Christmas

Constable Nick Blair (left), Constable Gabrielle Parsons; Katie Baptiste, Operation Blue Santa project leader, Equippers Church Pastor, Peter Brothers. Photo / Duncan Brown.

While many will open countless presents from under their Christmas tree and enjoy a festive lunch this season, some are not as fortunate.

It is this need which prompted the Equippers Hastings Trust to get behind the region's most vulnerable families.

Operation Blue Santa, a collaboration between the trust, which operates out of Equippers Church Hastings, and the Hastings Police Family Harm team wants to provide as many baskets of food for Hawke's Bay families in need this Christmas.

Project leader Katie Baptiste said they wanted to bring Blue Santa to Hastings and get behind the "great work our local constabulary does and support those families who need that extra bit of help, support and love during this period".

The initiative started in America in the 70s, with about 20 needy families. Now, in Austin, Texas alone, more than 5000 families are catered for.

"We know there will be a good response, but given that it is the first year, if we are able to provide these gift baskets to 50 families, that would be a great achievement," Baptiste said.

People can contribute by either following a 'shopping list' provided, or donating money. It is estimated each basket will cost roughly $130, but any remaining money will go to providing special items for the families.

Equippers Church Hastings Pastor Peter Brothers said while there were a lot of times when charity is important, Christmas was a time where people needed to be looking out for the community.

"An event like this is important because it tells people that they are noticed and they matter and that as a city we care for them.

"We can all experience pressure at Christmas, around expectations, finances and different things and if we can help alleviate some of the pressure for families that are probably already facing a tougher time than most, I think it will be great.

For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/opbluesantahastings/