Holiday Heroes Demonstrate the Gift of Giving to 50 Klein ISD Students
The 4th annual Holiday Heroes event, led by the Klein ISD Police Department, gave 50 Klein ISD students full shopping bags and grateful hearts.
Holiday Heroes is a chance for students in Klein ISD to pair up with officers from the Klein ISD Police Department, Spring ISD Police Department, and Harris County Precinct 4 for a night to remember. Students enjoyed a dinner at a fun venue courtesy of Bridge the Blue along with a police-escorted bus ride to Academy Sports+Outdoors West Spring, where they each had $150 to spend on items of their choosing.
Students left Academy and were immediately greeted by members of Relate Community Church (and the Grinch!) who generously gave them backpacks filled with essential items and toiletries before they boarded the bus with their police officer.
“This event is all about serving our students who may not otherwise receive some sort of gift for the holidays,” Klein ISD Police Chief David Kimberly said. “It really just shows the spirit and heart of the fine men and women of the Klein ISD Police Department. I only have two rules for our students during this event. Have fun, and be sure to buy at least one thing for themselves!”
Like in previous years, many students chose to purchase items to give to their family members during the holidays.
“I think this event is really special because kids like me feel very blessed,” Klein ISD student Ryan said. “It’s important because some of us just need some help during this time of year so that we can share with our family and celebrate the holidays.”
For event organizer and Klein ISD Police Corporal Montoya Jones, Holiday Heroes is possible because our entire community comes together for a great cause.
“I speak for the entire Klein ISD Police Department when I say that this event is very near and dear to our hearts,” Jones said. “This is a record-breaking year for us as far as donations go, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Klein ISD community and all of our business partners for their support and resources they provided to make this night magical for our kids.”
With faithful community partners like Academy, Holiday Heroes is always a very special time for everyone involved.
“At Academy, we love helping and working with our community and giving back to our neighbors,” Academy Store Director Greg Creel said. “Holiday Heroes is a chance for us to give back to students in Klein ISD while also supporting our local law enforcement and first responders. This is what Academy is all about.”
Although tangible gifts are bought during this time, students also receive the gift of bonding, understanding, and support, all of which will last them a lifetime.
“I love participating in Holiday Heroes because it helps officers build trust and strong connections with the students while showing them that we can be their safe haven in and out of school,” Klein ISD Police Corporal Rajiv Bhatt said. “We want our students to be able to come to talk to us whenever they feel like they need to. As police officers, we wear different hats. We’re protectors 100% of the time, but we’re often mother and father figures, counselors, and friends. It all comes down to the fact that we want to be here for our students in any way possible.”
Klein ISD student Marco took the opportunity to speak up about Holiday Heroes.
“This event was crazy, but it was awesome at the same time!” Marco said. “Thank you to the people who organized this event and keep this going on each year. It means a lot to me and all of the kids participating.”
We are so grateful for the Klein ISD Police Department and all who played a role in making magic happen for our awesome students in Klein ISD.
Best Public Schools in Texas
Klein ISD has an established 84-year history of excellence and innovation in education with unique pathways for EVERY student in our care to ensure learners are college, career, military, and life ready. With recognition for STEM, athletics, fine arts, and academics from highly-esteemed organizations, it is clear that Our Shared Vision of every student entering with a promise and exiting with a purpose is a reality for EVERY student who walks through our doors.
About Klein ISD
Klein ISD is a school district in Klein, Texas, located in northwestern Harris County. The district spans approximately 88 square miles and serves more than 53,000 students in 33 elementary schools, 10 intermediate campuses, one high school program of choice, and 5 high schools.
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