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Austin Operation Blue Santa pick-up times canceled due to delivery issues

Austin Police Operation Blue Santa said the pick-up times Sunday and Monday have been canceled due to delivery issues surrounding the gift cards.

AUSTIN, Texas — Officers with the Austin Police Department spread some Christmas cheer Saturday – but delivery issues are derailing their plans to continue Sunday and Monday.

Due to COVID-19, Austin Police Operation Blue Santa isn't delivering toys and meals to families this year. Instead, the nonprofit is giving each child a $25 gift card, along with a $25 gift card to H-E-B so families can purchase food for a holiday meal.

On Saturday, Austin Police Operation Blue Santa recipients could pick up their gift cards between the hours of 8 a.m. through noon and 1 p.m. through 5 p.m. at the location applicants chose: either Nelson Field or 1401 South Industrial Drive. 

Pick-up times were originally scheduled for Sunday and Monday as well, but the nonprofit said due to delivery issues surrounding the toy and food gift cards, those scheduled distributions have been canceled. However, if you were scheduled to receive gift cards, you will still receive them. 

Austin Police Operation Blue Santa is currently working out the logistics on how to distribute those cards. The nonprofit encourages recipients to check its Twitter account regularly for updates and check their email and spam inboxes for messages regarding distribution rescheduling.

If you have any questions about the pick-up process, call 512-974-5800 or email bluesanta@austintexas.gov.

The nonprofit usually serves around 14,000 families, but COVID-19 changed that this year. About 21,000 families signed up. 

The virus has also decreased donations, and the nonprofit's president said it still needs $50,000 to serve families next week. If you're interested in adopting a family, email bluesanta@austintexas.gov for more information.

APD has been participating in Austin Police Operation Blue Santa since 1972. 

WATCH: Austinites share their good news at a Christmas tree lot

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