More than 70 police “Blue Santas” from nearly 45 police agencies participated in the W. Steven Martin 911 Toy Drive Dec. 21, flocking to the Courtesy Chrysler Dodge Ram dealership in Mesa.

They came to pick up hundreds of toys for families in need within the communities the officers protect and serve, according to a release.

Scott Gruwell, CEO of Courtesy Automotive Group, said he is proud to host the 911 Toy Drive distribution to officers.

“We are super-excited to help members of our community who need it most and one of the ways we do it is by partnering with W. Steven Martin each year,” Gruwell said in the release.

Police officers, sometimes perceived as tough, are really big teddy bears when it comes to making sure that the children and families they interact with each day have a smile on their faces on Christmas morning, the release states.

Like Lt. Bryan Soller, who has been a “Blue Santa” for 25 years.

“The 911 Toy Drive builds strong ties to the communities we serve. We are one with the community,” Soller said in the release.

For Soller, it’s a family affair. He brings his daughter and wife as they hand-select toys from the 911 Toy Drive warehouse for families that have given Soller wish lists for as many as eight children per family.

W. Steven Martin, the original “Blue Santa,” is the founder of the Blue Santa 911 Toy Drive, now in its 36th year.

“The 911 Toy Drive is designed to help officers from every city and county in Arizona get into homes and make a difference with boys and girls who are not only in need, but who need to see an officer in a different light. Courtesy Automotive Group has really stepped up at a most difficult time to be a part of our community project. Without Courtesy Automotive, we would not have a toy drive this year,” Martin said in the release.

About Courtesy Automotive Group

Courtesy Automotive Group began in Phoenix as Courtesy Chevrolet in 1955 and has grown to seven dealerships in Arizona and California providing private, commercial and fleet customers with new and pre-owned Chevrolet, Volvo, Isuzu truck, Polestar, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Kia vehicles.

Courtesy is a third-generation Gruwell family-owned business with 750 diverse team members. The company has sold more than 2.5 million vehicles to individuals, small and large businesses, and government organizations in more than 35 states and around the world.