19
December
2019
|
15:38 PM
America/Chicago

UHDPD Brings Holiday Cheer to Ketelsen Elementary

Summary

By Mike Emery

Santa usually delivers toys in his red suit, but on Dec. 19, Ketelsen Elementary students received holiday cheer from some neighbors wearing blue.

For the fifth year, the University of Houston-Downtown Police Department greeted Ketelsen students with toys in tow. It's all part of the department's ... and the university's...relationship with the nearby elementary school. It's also part of sharing the holiday spirit with children who may not otherwise receive presents.

"Many of these students' parents have limited financial resources," said UHDPD Sgt. Trinity Delafance. "This might be the only present these children receive this season, so we're more than happy to bring toys to them and bring some smiles to their faces."

Delafance was part of a UHDPD delegation that included fellow officers, as well as the UHD Gator Mascot. Assisting them with the distribution of wrapped items were Shelene Livas, principal of Ketelsen, and faculty members.

Livas agrees that the initiative helps these students experience the joy of the holiday season, but also said that meeting police officers is a positive experience for the students.

"Having UHDPD's Police Department visit our campus helps connect officers with these children," she said. "They can develop a positive images of police and understand that they are here to help them."

Livas added that the relationship between the University and its police extends well past the holidays.

"We've been pleased to partner with UHD on a number of projects," she said. "We hosted UHDPD officers during our Fall Festival earlier this year. And in recent years, members of the university have helped revitalize our school garden. It's a great relationship that keeps growing."

More than 130 toys were delivered this year, which resulted in two toy dropoffs by UHDPD officers.

"We're here to serve the community," Delfance said. "This is a perfect way to do just that ... by making these kids' holiday one they will always remember."

About the University of Houston-Downtown

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.

U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.