Santa Cop was started in 1980 when a handful of Lincoln Police Union members started the program. The idea was to start a program which would help the children of Lincoln who “fell through the cracks” of existing programs. The goal would be to serve children whose families did not receive assistance from other sources, had unexpected sickness, injury, or financial crisis. The police officers observed that the children had no control over these events and often went without at this special time of year. That first year 256 children were assisted. The program has since helped 4000 children annually in an effort to keep the magic of Christmas alive for every child in as many organizations and groups as possible each and every year.
Brytten Sorgenfrei – President of Lincoln Police Union Charities, Inc.
Head Elf – Lacey Reha
Sports Elf – Dave Haumont
Lincoln Police Union Charities, Inc. and the “Santa Cop Program” supported these organizations in 2011: Center for People in Need – Toyland, Friendship Home, Voices of Hope, Christian Heritage Homes-Christmas Gifts, LPD Christmas Eve& Day Emergency Delivery and other small groups whose children would have gone without. We are unable to recognize every group due to privacy restrictions.
Lincoln Police Charities Inc. supports the YMCA after school project, LPD Midget Football and other youth sporting events throughout the year for children who would not be able to participate without your generosity.
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The 2011 Santa Cop Program met or exceeded its goal in helping children through the efforts of donors which consisted of individuals, businesses, community organizations, police officers and the many, many elves that worked as volunteers. The toy distribution through the Center for People in Need plus the other organizations that Santa Cop works with did a great job in helping Santa Claus get Christmas Gifts delivered to those that need our help. Our appreciation goes out to Jan Kaufman and the staff from Kaufman Auction Service for there 20+ years of service and support. Jan is stepping down and due in part to her efforts, the program has grown and excelled beyond the Lincoln Police Union’s expectations. We thank her and all of the staff from Kaufman Auction Service for their efforts and dedication.
We are looking forward to 2012. Santa Cop has found a new auctioneer with a long time supporter, Russell Puchalla from Heartland Auction Service who was very gracious in accepting the passing of the torch. Russell has volunteered for the past 15 years as an auctioneer for the Santa Cop Auction. Santa Cop is a tremendous community project, one that offers many rewards to those that participate. This fall (2012) the program will begin its solicitation of merchandise for the ” 22nd Annual Santa Cop Auction.” We will be working throughout the year planning and working to serve those in the Lincoln Community that may go without if it wasn’t for programs such at this. Please inquire if you would like to help.