With just weeks until Christmas, the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation is remembering and supporting the families of officers killed or injured in the line of duty by doing something special for their families to let them know they’re never forgotten.

Operation Santa kicked off in downtown Chicago Saturday with the arrival of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

The Claus’ were joined by Chicago police officers, supporters, and members of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation as they embark on a special delivery this weekend.

“It warms our hearts to see smiles on the faces of the families that we promise to never forget,” said Phil Cline, Executive Director of Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.

They loaded up their vehicles to deliver gifts and holiday cheer to families and children of fallen officers and those who were seriously injured in the line of duty.

“Our Gold Star families are extremely important to us they’re resilience, they’re strong, and they’re tough and we have to make sure that we get out let them know that we’re still there with them,” said Superintendent Larry Snelling, Chicago Police Department.  

Their first stop was at the home of Chicago police officer Carlos Yanez Jr.

“It’s events like this that really makes me think about the good things in life you know,” he said. “There’s no words, I mean just grateful, thankful, and blessed.”

His fellow officers greeted him with love, hugs, and tears and showered his 7-year-old son with gifts.

“[The] Chicago Police Memorial Foundation is so amazing what they do for the families throughout the years for our kids,” he said.

The officer was shot multiple times during a 2021 traffic stop that killed his partner officer Ella French. Yanez said not a day goes by that he doesn’t think about her mother.

“Elizabeth French, I get most of my strength from Elizabeth and my family,” he said. “Elizabeth French is so strong anytime I’m having a hard day I just think about her.”

This Christmas his one wish is for everyone and his fellow officers to be safe.

“Every time you put on the badge and uniform you don’t know if you’re going to go home to your family,” he said. “It’s a dangerous job, it’s a service, we want to be there for other people. We want to help people and help them go home to their families at night.”

Operation Santa will visit the homes of 13 Chicago police officers this weekend.