Santa and his helpers put on their blue suits Friday and delivered new bicycles to students in Harker Heights.
The Harker Heights Police Department brought 21 bicycles and helmets to Eastern Hills and Nolan middle schools and to Harker Heights and Skipcha elementary schools.
At each school, leaders determined recipients based on need and character.
“It’s cool because it’s new,” said Eastern Hills eighth-grader Sohia Lutali, obviously happy about her bike.
She likes to ride but didn’t have her own bicycle until she was surprised by the gift.
“I’m going to be outside every day,” she said, noting that she wasn’t going to let a little rain or cold slow her down.
Police Sgt. Peter Quichocho said Blue Santa is a longtime tradition at the department that has carried over through the years.
The department used to collect old bikes and fix them up, but now takes donations and buys new ones, noting the community is quick to support their effort.
“It’s awesome,” he said of delivering the bikes in person to students.
“I think it gets the holiday started off in the right mood. Anytime we can help, we love to bring a smile to their faces.”
