Thanks to the generosity of the UTHealth Houston community filling donation boxes with gifts, the pediatric patients of UTHealth Houston Behavioral Sciences Campus, and for the first time the addition of children of families residing at University Housing were delighted with merriment to receive new items for the holidays.

On the morning of Dec. 19, UT Police staff delivered toys to the UTHealth Behavioral Sciences Campus.

“The thoughtful contribution of toys and gifts by UT Police at Houston and the community helps to bring joy, comfort and smiles to many of our child and adolescent patients,” said Michelle Kenney, lead recreation therapist at the John S. Dunn Behavioral Sciences Center at UTHealth Houston.

In the evening of Dec. 19, University Housing hosted a holiday party in which Santa delivered at least one toy to more than 50 children. Children took photos with Santa Claus while receiving gifts from public safety officers acting as Santa’s elves.

 “Many tenants expressed their appreciation for the event and feel safer with UT Police at UT Housing,” said William “Wes” Stewart, vice president of UTHealth Houston Facilities, Planning, Engineering, and Auxiliary Enterprises.

For more than 20 years, UT Police has organized an Annual Children’s Gift Drive has benefitted pediatric patients in the care of UTHealth Houston over the holidays. The 2023 gift drive ended on Monday, Dec. 18.