Byron Police announce start of 2022 Operation Santa

Byron Police Department’s Operation Santa has been making Christmas a little brighter for the less fortunate children in the Byron community for the past 32 years.  Byron Kiwanis has been partnering with the Police Department for fourteen years, hosting Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus where all toy and monetary donations benefit Operation Santa.

COVID restrictions canceled Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus for 2020 and 2021.  Through generous community donations the needs of the children in the Byron area were still met, providing Christmas gifts to those who otherwise would have gone without.

Now, in 2022, the Byron Kiwanis is once again offering Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus!  This year’s event will be held in the cafeteria at Mary Morgan Elementary School on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 8:30 to 11 a.m.

Breakfast will consist of pancakes, sausage, applesauce, juice, milk, and coffee.  Breakfast is free.  However, a donation of a new, unwrapped gift would be appreciated.  Our greatest need is gifts for children ages 7-10 and 11-14.  In lieu of a gift, monetary donations will be gratefully accepted.

If you are unable to make it to the breakfast and would like to contribute, checks payable to Operation Santa can be dropped off at or mailed to the Byron Police Department, PO Box 923, Byron IL 61010.  These donations will be used to purchase gifts for specific age groups that will be distributed through People Helping People.

Operation Santa continues to succeed through dedicated volunteers and thrives on the generosity of our community members.  Through this program, over 4,950 children have received gifts at Christmas.

Parents or guardians of children (up to age 14) who would benefit from the Operation Santa program are asked to call the Byron Police Department, 815-234-5000. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to register.  Parents will be asked to provide the children’s names, ages, and gender.  Names must be submitted no later than Wednesday, Nov. 16.