19
December
2016
|
13:24 PM
America/Chicago

UHD Police Department Gifts Christmas Toys to Local Kids

uhdpd-xmasThere are few things a child looks forward to more than Christmas. The anticipation of Santa's arrival, the joy of finding presents that have magically appeared under the tree, and the thrill of ripping open festive paper with shiny bows are the highlights of a kid's year.

Unfortunately, many children in the Houston community don't get to experience the wonders of the holidays since gifts are luxuries their families can't afford. Recently, the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) Police Department presented a family with a Thanksgiving feast with all the fixings.

The officers wanted to continue the spirit of giving for Christmas.

On Dec. 14, the UHD officers presented toys to pre-K and kindergarten students at Ketelsen Elementary School located in Houston's Northside.

"It was touching to see the joy on the children's faces," said new UHD Chief of Police Michael Benford. "It's an honor and pleasure to know I'm surrounded by people who want to be positive role models in the community."

The officers and their families collected enough toys for more than 20 children. They plan to make this a tradition and bring the joy of Christmas to even more of them next year.

"We want to show the community that we take care of our present and future students," said UHD Police Sgt. Trinity Delafance.