Local law enforcement will be waiting tables to help kids during the holidays

BLACKFOOT — The season of giving is just around the corner, and local law enforcement will be waiting on tables, asking for tips to help kids during the holiday.

The Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Blackfoot Police Department, is fundraising for the “Santa’s Helpers” program next week.

“The program is run solely with donations from community members, local businesses and our fundraisers,” said Erin Hidalgo, 911 supervisor for the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office.

The event will be Friday, Nov. 3, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rupe’s Burgers. All tips and a portion of the proceeds will go to support Santa’s Helpers. The funds go directly to helping kids have a better Christmas.

The program helps between 100 to 125 families each year, with at least $10,000 being spent.

“Some kids are asking for basic toys but other kids are asking for coats, socks, pants and sweaters … basic stuff that you just need to live and so the reason we end up spending so much money is when we have cases like that, then we will get that and we will also get them something fun,” Hidalgo explained.

The program helps families that have children in elementary school.

“We have one contact person at each school in the county. We get them the application and they work on selecting the families that could use assistance,” Hidalgo said.

Click here to read a previous story about Santa’s Helpers.

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On the day of the Santa’s Helpers event — which happens in December — at least 50 to 60 kids will have breakfast at the Elk’s Lodge with officers and go shopping for presents at Walmart in Blackfoot.

“The ultimate goal of the program is so that kids can have a positive interaction with officers. Usually, when they see us, it’s because something really bad is happening,” Hidalgo said.

Hidalgo, along with law enforcement, is encouraging anyone in the community to come out to the fundraiser next week.

“Come have dinner and support a good cause,” she said. “Rupe’s has the most delicious hamburgers, chicken sandwiches and soups!”

If people can’t attend the fundraising event for Santa’s Helpers, they can still donate by dropping off cash or a check addressed to “Santa’s Helpers” at the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office or the Blackfoot Police Department.

Santa’s Helpers has been going on for 26 years, while the Rupe’s fundraising event has been happening for 13 years.