Operation Blue Elf in Montgomery County

CONROE, Texas (FOX 26) — Smiles for hundred of children in need of some holiday cheer, but this was no average toy drive — it was a full-on Christmas experience for those children with plenty of family activities.

For the second consecutive year, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Citizens Academy Alumni Association and other community partners celebrated the Second Annual Christmas Toy Drive, known as “Operation Blue Elf," at the Montgomery County Exhibition Hall. The organizations collected gifts and monetary donations for more than 1,200 children in need.

“Operation Blue Elf was a boots-on-the-ground project the sheriff’s office started when Sheriff Henderson took office, and it’s about the officers, and the employees of the Montgomery County Sheriff's office giving back to the community," says MCSO Lieutenant Scott Spencer. 

The children from throughout the county were selected by schools, churches, non-profit organizations, and through the deputies' patrol areas. They got their personalized presents early. 

More than 3,000 toys and over 400 bicycles were distributed by age. It means a lot to the children and their families but also for the volunteers and the deputies involved.

"Overwhelming, I mean, they’re so excited," adds Lt. Spencer. "The smile on the faces that we’ve seen, the tears, the hugs, the laughs, just the bonding that we’ve all had as a community coming together.”

Families received more than just gifts. The event included train rides, a petting zoo, and something you don’t see in Texas — "snow!"

Corrine Pullan, who was chosen to bring her children tells Fox 26

"This is amazing," says Corrine Pullan to FOX 26 News. Her children were chosen to attend the private event. "I am so, so thankful that the community is doing this, and all that. This is the first year for us, and all that so, this is nice.“ 

If you're in the spirit to give and would like to help out with Operation Blue Elf for 2019, you can make a donation to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office by visiting http://www.mocotxsca.org/uncategorized/operation-blue-elf/.