Dec. 12, 2019 — UTSA’s Department of Public Safety received a $12,500 grant from Target for its annual Heroes & Helpers event. This year the UTSA Police is working with local schools to select 125 children to participate in the program.
This year’s event begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, at Target, located at 11311 Bandera Road in San Antonio.
“We are honored to partner with Target to assist in spreading holiday joy,” said Gerald Lewis, UTSA associate vice president for public safety and chief of police. “This project gives the men and women of the UTSA Police Department the opportunity to assist our community and strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the citizens we serve.”
During the event Target will give each child a $100 gift card to purchase gifts for themselves and family members. The children will pair up with an officer, who will chaperone the child when shopping for gifts. Police officers and staff volunteers will assist the children in wrapping their presents.
This is the third year UTSA police has collaborated with Target and Northside ISD for its Heroes & Helpers program. The program brings together local law enforcement, UTSA employees and Target representatives to help local youth.
“UTSA police received a Target Public Safety grant that will make UTSA’s community outreach event a success,” UTSA Police Department’s Sgt. Veronica Rangel said. “We are thankful to receive this very generous award for the third annual Heroes & Helpers event. It is a blessing to partner with Target, UTSA, Northside ISD and Northside ISD Police Department to create an event that provides positive interactions with local youth and their families.”
