Klein ISD Students Enjoy Shopping Spree with Klein ISD Police Holiday Heroes

The Klein ISD Police Department continued its tradition of giving back to the Klein ISD community as it embarked on its ninth year of Holiday Heroes. 

This year’s Holiday Heroes event is brightening the holidays for a record-breaking 56 students. The Klein ISD Police Department's efforts to raise money for this event did not go unnoticed; they raised approximately $11,000 to make this night happen.   

“This year, we had the privilege of collaborating with Constable Mark Herman’s office, Raising Cane’s, and Academy Sports + Outdoors to make this season even more special for Klein ISD students.” Klein ISD Police Chief Marlon Runnels said. “When you see the faces of our students light up, you can feel the joy all around. The personal connections our officers build with these students are a perfect example of why the Klein community is such a uniquely special place.”

The evening started with a meal made possible by Raising Cane’s Willowbrook. Students and officers alike were all smiles while sharing a meal and laughing with one another. Their time was amplified by a generous $500 donation from Raising Cane’s that went toward their shopping spree at Academy Sports + Outdoors.

The excitement could be felt throughout the evening for all, whether they were first-timers or a seasoned holiday hero. When busloads of students and officers arrived at Academy Sports + Outdoors Willowbrook, they hit the ground running after Chief Runnels gave them a safety brief. 

“It’s an honor to be here. I love what we do for the children in our community,” first-time Holiday Hero Officer Bruce Palacios said. “I like that we can share little parts of ourselves with them. Even though we’re police officers, we’re still human. We can show them we’re not different.”

HOLIDAY HEROES PHOTO GALLERY

This event allows students and officers to see how much they have in common, like being selfless. While many students shop, they often have to be reminded to get items for themselves, as they spend much of their time shopping for loved ones. 

“I’m the older brother, so I got socks and shoes for me and my brothers. I also got a couple of hoodies,” Klein ISD student Jaden said. “I just wanted to share the love with them, to be honest. I wanted to have a little something for them, and I want to be thoughtful.”

For many officers, the night allows them to give back to their community and get to know their students more personally. Students who participate in Holiday Heroes learn valuable lessons from their officers, such as money management, while they navigate the best way to spend their $150.

While shopping, it’s clear that Klein ISD police officers take pride in their work with our students. 

“On my second day in the department, we had Holiday Heroes, which was the coolest thing I’d ever seen,” Officer Shelley Wilson said. “It’s about letting the students have the opportunity to go out and enjoy themselves. This lets them escape any situation they have in the classroom, anything they’re dealing with at home, to disappear for the moment and get out and have fun. We want to be able to show them that we love them.”

This magical night was made possible because of our selfless officers, constable deputies with Constable Mark Herman’s office, and a lot of help from our community partners: Raising Canes Willowbrook, Academy Sports + Outdoors Willowbrook, Greater Houston Counseling Services, Ellen Spalding, K-9 Quinn's supporters, Speedy's RaceTrack, CM Fab Inc., Relate Church, and Chasewood Bank.

We are so grateful for our outstanding Klein ISD Police Department, who made this a night for our excellent students to remember. Thank you for all that you do!