UHD students are learning the value of service through a volunteer collaboration with the House of Tiny Treasures (HTT), a nationally accredited early childhood education program which serves families residing in local shelters and other housing programs.

The House of Tiny Treasures provides nutritious meals, education and intensive art, play and speech therapy for its students. HTT is Houston's most recognized therapeutic center dedicated to providing this unique clientele with essential opportunities to prepare young children to succeed in school.

The partnership between HTT and UHD students in the Departments of Urban Education, Natural Sciences and Criminal Justice began in 2006, and an important relationship has developed in the years since.

On Oct. 29, a group of volunteers participated in the HTT Annual Fall Festival, sponsored by the UHD Center for Public Service and Family Strengths, that features crafts, games, food and dancing. For the children in the House of Tiny Treasures programs, it was an opportunity to spend quality time with their parents, be silly and have fun.

The student volunteers also realized an opportunity to serve the HTT kids beyond their time spent at the festival. Members of Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society, a criminal justice student organization, raised $1,000 to purchase 52 coats to help HTT children and their siblings face the cooler days ahead.