Katy ISD Santa Cops Brings Holiday Cheer to 740 Students Across the District
What started as a small act of kindness by Katy ISD police officers over 20 years ago has grown into one of the most impactful holiday outreach efforts in the region. This year, the Katy ISD Santa Cops program brought holiday joy to 740 students across more than 400 families, ensuring children across the district would have gifts to open and memories to cherish.
The annual Santa Cops initiative, led by the Katy ISD Police Department, now spans the entire district, thanks to an army of dedicated sponsors, school counselors, volunteers, and staff. The effort begins months before the holidays, with planning kicking off as early as September. Counselors at elementary campuses help identify students in need, while district employees and community groups step up to serve as sponsors.
Each child’s wishlist includes their age, interests, and favorite activities, allowing sponsors to shop for personalized and age-appropriate gifts. “We start coordinating as early as September,” said Katy ISD Police Services Specialist Cathy Andrews. “Elementary school counselors identify students in need, and then we reach out to District staff to serve as sponsors. The response is overwhelming every year.”
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In many cases, school departments and local organizations go above and beyond. A junior high athletics program, for instance, sponsored an astonishing 122 students this year, with student-athletes and their families personally shopping for and wrapping each gift. “Seeing groups come together like that is incredible,” Andrews added. “Churches, departments and campuses step up in big ways, and it shows how much this community cares.”
Since its humble beginning in 2002—when Katy ISD officers personally delivered gifts to 70 students—the Santa Cops program has become a cherished tradition. Today, rooms and hallways at the department are filled with carefully organized and wrapped donations from across the Katy area.
Katy ISD Police Chief David Rider emphasized the department’s dedication to ensuring each child feels equally supported and seen. “If we see bags that might need a little extra, we add to them,” he said. “Nothing goes to waste. Every toy, every donation gets into the hands of the right families. Our team does an incredible job making sure each child is cared for.”
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The real reward, organizers say, comes when families arrive to pick up the gifts. “When you see the expressions on parents’ faces, especially those who are really in need, it’s incredibly rewarding,” said Andrews. “All the months of planning are worth it when you see how much it means to them.”
As Katy continues to grow, the heart of the Santa Cops program remains unchanged: neighbors helping neighbors. Through heartfelt coordination, volunteer spirit, and a strong community bond, the program continues to ensure the season stays bright for families facing hardship.
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.
