We’ve all been told that Santa comes in a sleigh with his reindeer leading the way, but for some special Greene County families this year, Santa will come in a police car with members of the reserve officers from the Greene County Sheriff’s Department in tow.

Since 2010, Tom Colvin, who serves as captain of the county’s reserve program, and reserve officers have been collecting donations — monetary as well as various items such as toys — to help make Christmas brighter for families who need it most during the holiday season. Throughout the years, the Christmas with Santa project has helped more than 25 families in Greene County.

“We don’t concentrate on east side/west side (of the county). We have been from Owensburg and Hendricksville to Jasonville, Newberry, and Scotland. We’ve had some families in Linton and one almost all the way to the Clay County line,” Colvin said. “We try to spread out and hit a community in every part of the county if we can. Everything that we are doing and the families we assist stays in the county. In county people are helping in county people.”

Colvin said they work with local schools and the Family Life Center to determine the families they serve each year.

On Christmas Eve, families will receive a visit from Santa and his special deputies with toys and other goodies. Colvin said they typically spend 45 minutes to an hour visiting with each family, watching them open their gifts.

“It’s really quite enjoyable,” Colvin said.

This year, they were contacted by Linton Burger King Manager Tammy Brock and Bethany Richardson, granddaughter of former Greene County Deputy John Fowler, to provide assistance. The restaurant is accepting new, unopened toys at Burger King in Linton. Those who donate a toy will receive a certificate for a free small combo meal.

Donations are being accepted to help support the program and can be dropped off at or mailed to the Greene County Sheriff’s Department at 204 70 E, Bloomfield, IN 47424 to the attention of the Reserves.