The Tustin Police Department “Santa Cop” program originated from the “Toys for Tots” program. The Tustin Police Department contributed to the Toys for Tots curriculum for many years. While this is was worthwhile effort, we felt it would be nice to help families in need who lived in the City of Tustin. Dorothy O’Kelley, the Community Services Officer in 1987, went to the Tustin Unified School District and gathered a list of families who qualified for the school lunch program; thus giving birth to the very first Santa Cop event. Our first Santa Cop was a small affair for approximately 12 families.

23 years later the Santa Cop program has grown into a much larger affair impacting the whole community. This event is made possible due to the generous donations from local businesses, local residents and the men and women of the Tustin Police Department. We have expanded our program to serve over 40 families and 125 children.

The goal of the Tustin Police Department Santa Cop program is to provide a Christmas to families who would have little or nothing without our assistance during this special time. We provide dinner for the family, presents for the children, Santa Claus on his sleigh, entertainment, gift bags, prizes and games. This truly has become a staple in the community during the Holiday Season throughout all of Tustin.


If you would like to be a part of, or make a contribution to the Santa Cop program, please contact Ruby Ortiz @ (714)573-3396. Thank you!