Blue Santa, also known as Mike Barnett, greets excited children during Port Arthur Police Department’s Blue Santa toy giveaway at the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center on Thursday. Mary Meaux/The News

About 200 families including about 450 children are set to have a Merry Christmas courtesy of Port Arthur Police Department’s Blue Santa program.

In addition, another 50 or so special needs children and some in hospitals will also experience Christmas cheer and gifts at a later date.

Families lined up outside the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center for the annual event. Blue Santa, also known as Mike Bartlett, arrived via police car and the short walk inside the civic center doors was a bit longer than usual as young children jumped at the chance for a hug by Santa.

Later, after families received their gifts, the children had a chance to have their photo taken with Blue Santa.

PAPD Det. Mike Hebert smiled as he called the event — packed with people, organized chaos, adding it is a great time for the officers and the Blue Santa program.

Blue Santa started about 25 years ago and has grown year after year.

The group has seen help from the Mid County and Port Arthur communities as well as the Krewe of Krewes with Mardi Gras Southeast Texas. The Police Explorer group was also on hand to help distribute toys and the Port Arthur Public Library was there with free books for children.

“The kids get to take a picture with Blue Santa and are appreciative of what they get,” Hebert said, “We do this for the families and some of us do this for ourselves.”