South Bend Santa's Elficers application deadline approaching

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- South Bend Police Department has joined forces with FOP Lodge #36 on their holiday initiative, Santa’s Elficers, an effort to make sure every kid has a gift to open on Christmas Day.

The department is encouraging families with children 0-14 years old to apply before the deadline which is Nov. 26.

Residents can fill out applications at or bring donations to 701 Sample St. anytime from 7a.m. to 7 p.m.

Be sure to bring a birth certificate or court documents to prove guardianship for each applicant.

This program relies on donations so every donation collected will go directly back into the community they serve making sure every child can enjoy the holidays with their families.

Joshua Morgan, FOP Lodge #36 President, was a part of the program even before he was chosen to lead it and hopes kids in similar shoes can take full advantage.

“I’ll be honest, I was one of those kids when I was younger. I have two brothers and a sister. There were four of us and my mom worked full-time and was not always able to provide for Christmas and our family was on the giving tree a couple years in a row, I didn't find that out until I was an adult," said Morgan.

Shortly before Christmas officers will deliver wrapped gifts to the doorsteps of the selected families.

Last year they were able to serve 450 families and since the program started, they have served over a thousand.

The Santa’s Elficers program is 100 percent donation driven so they encourage the community to donate money, gifts, and non-perishable food items to the police department.

If you are not sure what to donate you can purchase gifts directly from their Amazon Wishlist with items they need the most.