Operation Blue Elf transforms local law enforcement into Santa’s helpers delivering hundreds of bicycles to underprivileged youth

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Hundreds of sparkling brand-new bicycles of all sizes were received, built, and gathered to be donated to underprivileged children, thanks to the efforts of Sheriff Rand Henderson and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, who partnered with other agencies and businesses for the 7th annual Operation Blue Elf event.

Sheriff Henderson and members of his staff met up at the Walmart on College Park Blvd. alongside Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable Gene DeForest, several Walmart staff members including store manager Collin Williams, President of Woodforest National Bank - Conroe Patricia Brown, and Michelle Little, Vice President – Community Affairs and Corporate Giving for Waste Connections. Davis Eason, candidate for the Constable Precinct 2 2024 political race, also assisted.

“Blue Elf is one of our ‘boots on the ground’ projects,” said Sheriff Henderson. “It was created by our deputies and it’s their opportunity to give back to the community, so we help, facilitate, and support the program as best as we can, using some of our commercial partners like Walmart, Woodforest, Waste Connections, H-E-B, Entergy, Lake Conroe Area Republican Women, and more. Today we’re receiving these gifts of bicycles, and tomorrow we’ll do the giveaway.”

This year, 487 bicycles were built and loaded into trucks for a special, surprise distribution at an undisclosed Montgomery County location later this weekend.

“Back when we started this, we challenged the deputies, and Sgt. Mike Evans was a big part of that, to give something to the community. It’s grown into an amazing ongoing project that we’re proud to lead,” said Henderson.

At the press event, members of the media and public were able to witness the significance of the hard work and dedication displayed by our law enforcement leaders and community partners throughout the year who have tirelessly worked together to bring joy and happiness to our children facing challenging circumstances in our community.

Numerous staff members of Walmart assisted in gathering and displaying the bicycles. “This is something we do every year, trying to help out the community to serve as we can. We love to do it and are excited to do it; we love to help,” said Williams.

Woodforest National Bank has been a longtime supporter of the event. “This is at the top of our list. We love supporting our law enforcement and first responders, and we have been a part of this event since its inception seven years ago,” said Brown. “I remember getting the phone call back then asking us for help, and we said, ‘Yes, of course.’ Whatever the children need, we want to get involved with.”

Employees at Waste Connections were key in assembling the hundreds of bicycles. “It’s very important for us to give back to the communities that we serve. A lot of what we do, we do for children, including our annual bike build, which we’ve done for more than 20 years,” said Little. “We reach out to Operation Blue Elf each year to ask how many bikes they want, and our employees and their families come in the evenings and build all the bikes together.”

Constable DeForest spread holiday cheer as he surveyed the area. “They asked us to come down here and help. I’ve been a part of the Blue Elf program in the past. I’m glad to be a part of this and to help out as best as I can, and I brought a couple of my guys with me. It’s a great program; doing something for kids is the greatest thing you can ever do,” he said.

Eason was pleased at the large collection of different agencies and businesses that had gathered for the common good.

“There’s a great relationship between the sheriff’s office and several other agencies, and that bridge between all law enforcement agencies keeps the community safe. This program here really gives back to the community and truly gives those who are less fortunate a chance to provide for their kids and give them toys and bring that spirit of Christ and Christmas back to the holiday season. We’re happy to be a part of it,” he said.

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