Klein ISD Embraces Community Through Holiday Heroes Program

KLEIN, TX — Police agencies from across the area spent their evening on Dec. 14 taking part in the second-annual Klein ISD Police Department’s Holiday Heroes program benefiting children in need. Holiday Heroes provides a one-on-one dinner and shopping experience for Klein ISD students.

Fifty officers from Cy-Fair ISD, Spring ISD, Harris County Constable’s from Precinct 4 and Precinct 1, Homeland Security, Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies, and Klein ISD officers volunteered their time to take students to dinner and on a holiday shopping experience that began by riding a bus together.

“The program grew so much this year, we had to call on local agencies for assistance to ensure each student received a one-on-one evening,” said Klein ISD Police Chief David Kimberly. “We believe the time officers spend with these students will help break down stereotypes and barriers and help to build new relationships.”

Throughout the year, the Klein ISD Police Department raised a total of $6,415 for the event. Nearly half of this funding came directly from a car wash that lasted for five hours and raised $3,000 for the Holiday Heroes event.

After being paired up and boarding a bus together, students and officers first stopped for dinner at CiCi’s Pizza then traveled to Academy where each student was given $110 to spend. Officers were on hand to help find their way around the store, look for sizes, and select the perfect gifts.

“The Klein ISD Police Department’s Holiday Heroes program is a great example of how we are demonstrating our unwavering commitment to serving our students,” said Kimberly. “We feel that the program is a great example of how we can focus on every student and support the district’s vision in building great learners and leaders.”

In addition to the Holiday Heroes program, the Klein ISD Police Department also participates in many other school and community programs and events such as career days, its Police Pals fingerprinting program, Street Smarts self-defense classes and the department's recently recognized Leadership Academy which has been adopted by the Texas Municipal Police Officers Association.

Image: Klein ISD