Katy ISD Police Department’s Santa Cops Program Brings Holiday Joy to Hundreds of Families
The Katy ISD Police Department once again brought holiday joy to local families with its annual Santa Cops program, helping hundreds of students and their families enjoy a brighter Christmas. Now in its 22nd year, the program provided Christmas gifts to more than 800 Katy ISD students this holiday season, made possible by the generosity of nearly 200 community sponsors.
“It’s amazing how all of the toys and gifts we collect each year transform our Police Station into a Christmas wonderland,” said Chief Henry Gaw, of the Katy ISD Police Department. “We cannot thank everyone enough for helping to make our students’ Christmas bright.”
How the Program Works
The Santa Cops program is organized by the Community Services Division of the Katy ISD Police Department. Local elementary school counselors are responsible for identifying families in need of extra support during the holidays. These families are then assigned a specific date and time to pick up their gifts from the police department before Christmas.
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The gifts typically include both toys and clothes, making it easier for families to provide their children with the essentials as well as a bit of holiday joy. The program has grown significantly since its inception in 2002, when it began with just 30 students. Today, it serves hundreds of families annually, thanks to an expanding network of community donors and district sponsors.
A Growing Tradition of Giving
The Santa Cops program has become an enduring tradition in the Katy community. Last year, with support from the community, the program helped provide for approximately 1,200 Katy ISD elementary students and their younger siblings, with a total donation value of about $108,000. This is a significant increase from the early years of the program, showcasing the growing generosity of both local residents and businesses who contribute to the cause.
In addition to monetary donations, many of the gifts are provided by Katy ISD staff, students, and local community organizations. The collective efforts of these groups transform the Katy ISD Police Department’s station into a festive, bustling center of holiday cheer during the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Community Support and Gratitude
While the program’s growth is a reflection of the community’s ongoing commitment to helping those in need, Chief Gaw emphasized the importance of the collective support from the entire Katy ISD community. “It’s truly heartwarming to see how everyone—from local businesses to district staff—come together each year to make a difference for our students,” he said. “This is a team effort, and we’re so grateful for all who contribute to this special cause.”
The Katy ISD Police station turns into Santa's Workshop for the annual Santa Cop event. (Source: Katy ISD)The Santa Cops program continues to serve as a reminder of the power of community support during the holiday season. It brings together people from all walks of life to share in the joy of giving, ensuring that the spirit of Christmas is felt by those who need it most. As the Santa Cops program celebrates another successful year of giving, its continued impact on the Katy ISD community reflects the kindness and generosity that defines the holiday season.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
