Veterans, First Responders Revive Northern Colorado Gift Program

A new emergency squad has arrived on the scene in Northern Colorado.

NoCo Santa Squad to the rescue.

The new nonprofit is stepping up to fill the hole left by the disbanding of Santa Cops of Larimer County after the 2023 holiday season. For more than 30 years, Santa Cops delivered gifts to children across the greater Larimer County region each Christmas.

However, a lack of affordable storage forced Santa Cops of Larimer County to call it quits.

This year, the NoCo Santa Squad, founded by local veteran and first responder Marty Gerlach, is stepping in to fill the gap. Veterans and first responders join him to execute this mission.

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New nonprofit replaces Santa Cops of Larimer County

Officially launched as a 501(c)3, NoCo Santa Squad aims to continue and expand the mission by providing gifts to Northern Colorado children during Christmas and other occasions, such as birthdays.

“When we realized Santa Cops wouldn’t be returning, we knew we had to step up,” Gerlach said via press release. “This community relies on that extra support during the holidays, and the joy we can bring with a simple gift can make all the difference.”

The need in Northern Colorado is significant and appears to be growing. Many families struggle to provide even basic holiday or birthday celebrations, leaving children feeling left out during special times.

This new community nonprofit strives to meet these needs, ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstances, can experience the magic of the holidays and other memorable moments.

The NoCo Santa Squad is already gaining traction with those wanting to carry on the Santa Cops legacy. But it is just the beginning.

How to help NoCo Santa Squad

To raise funds for its mission, the NoCo Santa Squad held its first fundraising event, the Inaugural Shotgun Clay Shoot, on Oct. 5 at Great Guns in Nunn, Colorado.

Next up is the Tinsel and Toys Charity Banquet from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at Dreams and Dragons Event Center in Johnstown. The event includes dinner, bar, dancing and an auction. Tickets start at $125. A toy donation is also requested. Get more info and reserve your spot on the NoCo Santa Squad website.

Texas Roadhouse in Fort Collins also has two Dine to Donate events from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays Nov. 6 and Nov. 13. Bring the linked flier, and the restaurant will donate 10 percent of your total food purchase to NoCo Santa Squad.

Where to drop off toys for NoCo Santa Squad

The crew is also accepting toy donations at the following Northern Colorado locations:

Bloem Gallery, 4109 Main St., Timnath.
USA Liberty Arms, 925 E. Harmony Road, Suite 200, 250, Fort Collins.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews, 701 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins.
Jackson Insurance, 234 Elder Drive, Loveland.
Rustic Rose Beauty Lounge, 370 Welch Ave., Berthoud.

Santa Cops of Weld County has remained active since its founding in 1986. The organization serves families in the greater Greeley and Evans areas.

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