Santa ‘contracting’ Monument police and fire departments to deliver toys on Tuesday

MONUMENT, Colo. (KRDO) - Rather than Rudolph, glowing police cruisers and firetrucks will lead Santa with their lights so bright through Monument Tuesday night for the annual "Santa on Patrol."

It's like a parade, but instead of throwing out beads or candy, the officers are helping Santa deliver toys to children who need them in the Tri-Lakes area.

The local police and fire departments partnered with Toys for Tots to collect toys for Santa starting in October. The decorated caravan ships off at 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Santa will join the parade to personally hand out each toy before his long night on Christmas Eve.

Santa on Patrol uses Pikes Peak United Way to find families who need help. If you would like to apply for next year, call 2-1-1 next Fall and ask for help, or fill out an application from a local organization in your area. You can find a non-exhaustive list here.