BPD’s Operation Blue Santa Receives $24K in Donations

During the recent Buffalo City Council meeting Erika McCarter, public safety administrator with the Buffalo Police Department, gave an update on Operation Blue Santa for Christmas 2023.

McCarter and her police officer husband Brian organize the annual event, which helps local families in need during the holidays.

McCarter said the program had an increase in donations from the community which they distributed to three families who were nominated through local help services, the school district, and the public.

She gave more details on the donations to the program.

Support for the families also covers rent assistance, groceries, bills, medical expenses and medical needs, car repairs the wish lists for kids.

This was year 12 of the program in Buffalo, and the seventh being organized by the McCarters.

Erika said the first year they received about $8,500 in donations and have seen it grow to this year’s $24,000 in donations.

She said they hope by providing assistance they create a “pay-it-forward” attitude that spreads throughout the community which she believes has happened.

The program has helped 29 families, or 129 people to date.