Tulsa Police officers with the North Pole Computer Project played Santa on Monday

A Tulsa Police officer's dream to give computers to kids in need came true Monday. <br><br>The idea started small, refurbish 10 computers and give them away, but as with most good ideas, this one

Monday, December 22nd 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A Tulsa Police officer's dream to give computers to kids in need came true Monday.

The idea started small, refurbish 10 computers and give them away, but as with most good ideas, this one grew and officers handed out 37 computers. They called it the North Pole Computer Project.

News on 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright goes along as officers play Santa.

Tulsa Police officers turned the union lodge into a Santa's workshop, wrapping, cleaning and organizing computers to give away to children all over the city.

Officer Glenn DeWeese started this project, he refurbished 37 computers with donated parts and software. "We figured if we went out and bought all these, used, not new, it would cost $12,000 for all the computers."

Other officers volunteered to load up the computers and deliver them to kids who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford to have a computer at home.

The project will impact 121 kids. One mom and her two sons were delighted to have the officer and Santa show up a few days early bearing gifts. Susan Fager: "This is great, a wish come true for my boys, I'm very thankful." Garrett, who's in the 8th grade, decided he couldn't wait until Christmas and opened his gift moments after it arrived. "I think it's great, all my friends are always on the computer and I always wish I could have one and now I got a computer."

Certainly, the months worth of work is worth it at moments like this. "You made our Christmas, thank you and thank you too. Yeah, thanks, glad we could take care of you." The kids receiving computers aren't the only one receiving joy thanks to this holiday project, the officers love it too.

Tulsa Police officer Darrell Whithem: "It was great, especially the 14 year old boy was so excited, I think we made his whole year, not just his Christmas."

This year's North Pole Computer Project was such a success, theTulsa Police Department says it will do it again next year, even bigger and better.