BAY MINETTE — The Bay Minette Police Department’s third Christmas Cop was deemed a success by organizers, serving even more families than last year or the year before.

The program provides Christmas gifts and dinners to families in need who would otherwise not have a Christmas. Two days before Christmas, Lt. Ruffin Crook dons his uniform, a white beard and his “Santa Cop” hat and distributes the gifts to the families.

“It went better than last year,” Crook said.

Volunteer Jackie Hastings, a member of the Bay Minette Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, said the program provided Christmas gifts for nearly 100 children and dinner for nearly a dozen families.

“We were able to give Christmas to 96 wonderful children this year and 10 food vouchers to families,” Hastings said in an e-mail. “Children received a bike, coat and a large box of toys.”

She said most of the children also received clothes, though because the clothes were donated, only certain sizes were available.

Hastings said 33 businesses and individuals donated to the program this year, making the tremendous success possible.

“Without the generosity of our sponsors, this event would not have been possible. We are grateful to the organizations and individuals … for their selfless giving of their products and funding. We would like very much to thank everyone involved in making this a great event,” she said.

Anyone interested in donating can call Crook at the police department, (251) 580-2559 or Hastings at (251) 937-2996. All donations are tax-deductible.