The Austin Chamber raised more than $1,030 and partnered with Operation Blue Santa to help two local families. Chamber staff shopped for clothes, toys, shoes, movie passes, gift cards, and office supplies to ensure that each family list was complete and added Christmas cheer to their home.

This is the second year the Austin Chamber has partnered with Operation Blue Santa.“Christmas is such as special time of the year and it is important that we all give back when we can,” said Emily Weisz, Manager of Innovative Partnerships with the Austin Chamber. “We are so thankful for the partnership we have with Operation Blue Santa and the opportunity to give back to the community we serve.”

Operation Blue Santa is a local nonprofit organized by the Austin Police Department, with support from the Austin Fire Department, Austin Energy, Austin Water Utilities and Texas National Guard. Each year, the organization provides Central Texas families with a full holiday meal and wrapped Christmas gifts for each child under age 14. Since 1972, Operation Blue Santa has served over 4,500 families in the region.

For more ways on how you can help or donate to Operation Blue Santa, visit their website here.

Austin Chamber staff (left to right: Simonne Leal, Molly Mehlenbacher, Terri Bolin, and Emily Weisz) of the Employee Events Committee pose for a picture before wrapping gifts for Central Texas residents.