On July 31, the FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association continued one of its most meaningful annual traditions by delivering Christmas joy to children receiving care and support throughout the Tampa Bay area.
In partnership with Betsy Conley of the FBI Community Outreach team, members of the FBI SWAT team, and dedicated community volunteers, FBITCAAA distributed more than 2,000 new toys to children facing serious medical conditions, trauma, abuse, neglect, and other difficult circumstances.
Santa, elves, reindeer, volunteers, and community partners visited Mary Lee’s House, Tampa General Hospital, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital–Tampa, and AdventHealth Tampa, bringing encouragement, laughter, and Christmas spirit in the middle of summer.
“Christmas in July shows what can happen when our members, law enforcement partners, healthcare professionals, and community supporters come together for a shared purpose,” said FBITCAAA President Dan Sallade. “Every toy carries an important message to a child and family: you are remembered, you are supported, and your community cares about you.”
Santa Arrives in Unforgettable Style
One of the day’s most memorable moments came when Santa arrived in the FBI SWAT team’s BearCat armored vehicle.
Children, families, hospital staff, and volunteers watched with excitement as Santa stepped out of the vehicle and joined the celebration. The unexpected entrance created a sense of wonder and helped make the experience especially memorable for children spending part of their summer in a hospital or receiving support during a challenging period.
“The moment Santa arrived, the excitement could be felt throughout the entire area,” said FBITCAAA Vice President Tanya Cielo. “For a little while, the children could focus on the surprise, the fun, and the magic of Christmas rather than the difficult circumstances they may be facing.”
Behind every toy was something greater than the gift itself. Each one offered a moment of comfort, normalcy, and happiness while reminding children and their caregivers that they are not alone.
Supporting Children Beyond the Hospital Walls
The Christmas in July outreach began the previous week with a special toy delivery to Pasco Kids First, Inc., a Children’s Advocacy Center dedicated to protecting children, strengthening families, preventing abuse, and helping young people heal from trauma.
Pasco Kids First provides forensic interviews, trauma-focused therapy, family support, prevention education, and other services designed to help children and families move forward during extremely difficult times.
By including Pasco Kids First in this year’s distribution, FBITCAAA extended the campaign’s reach beyond local hospitals and supported children whose challenges may not always be visible to the wider community.
“A toy cannot change what a child has experienced, but it can provide comfort, reassurance, and a positive memory when those things are needed most,” said an FBITCAAA board member. “Sometimes a simple act of kindness can help a child feel safe, valued, and cared for.”
A Community-Wide Effort
The success of Christmas in July was made possible by the many individuals and organizations that donated toys, contributed funds, collected items, coordinated deliveries, volunteered their time, and supported the participating hospitals and child-service organizations.
Months of planning culminated in a coordinated series of visits designed to provide toys suited to the children served at each location. Volunteers personally delivered the gifts, spent time with families, and expressed their appreciation to the healthcare professionals, advocates, and caregivers who support vulnerable children throughout the year.
“This event represents the very best of community partnership,” said FBITCAAA Vice President Tanya Cielo. “Every donor, volunteer, sponsor, hospital employee, child advocate, and FBI partner played a role in creating a meaningful experience for these children and their families.”
The annual initiative also reflects FBITCAAA’s commitment to strengthening relationships among law enforcement, nonprofit organizations, hospitals, volunteers, and the greater Tampa Bay community.
More Than a Toy Drive
Although more than 2,000 toys were delivered, the impact of the campaign cannot be measured by numbers alone.
For a hospitalized child, a new toy can provide a welcome distraction from treatment. For a child recovering from trauma, it can offer comfort and a sense of normalcy. For parents and caregivers, the kindness of the community can serve as a reminder that they do not have to face difficult circumstances alone.
“The toys are important, but the true purpose of this event is to bring hope,” said FBITCAAA President Dan Sallade. “We want every child we visit to know that they matter and that people throughout Tampa Bay are thinking about them.”
The excitement of the children and the gratitude expressed by families, hospital teams, advocates, and caregivers reinforced the purpose behind this annual tradition: ensuring that children experiencing difficult circumstances continue to feel seen, valued, and remembered.
FBITCAAA extends its sincere thanks to every donor, volunteer, sponsor, FBI Tampa team member, healthcare professional, child advocate, and community partner who helped make this year’s Christmas in July outreach possible.
The association looks forward to continuing the tradition and creating additional opportunities to support children and families throughout Tampa Bay. Through service, partnership, and public-safety outreach, FBITCAAA remains committed to strengthening communities and bringing hope to those who need it most.
