TITLE: Congratulating Navidad En El Barrio on its 30th anniversary.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Navidad En El Barrio on its 30th anniversary.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Navidad En El Barrio of Houston is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2017; and WHEREAS, Since 1987, Navidad En El Barrio has hosted events designed to bring joy to those in need; its premier event, the Christmas Program, is a holiday party for children from Title I schools; students from low-income families receive gifts as well as books and healthy food, and an essay contest provides the opportunity to win such prizes as bicycles and gift cards; at the same time, by bringing a canned good for donation to a local food pantry, youngsters learn that they, too, can make a positive difference; and WHEREAS, More than 10,000 presents are distributed on the day of the party; in addition, area youth provide entertainment, which shows smaller children what they might achieve by honing their own talents; after an appearance by Pancho Claus, Santa Claus rides in on a motorcycle, escorted by members of the Houston Police Department Officers Riding Club, who help boys and girls develop a friendly rapport with law enforcement; and WHEREAS, Expanding its outreach, NEEB has implemented a number of other programs, among them a party for children whose mothers are incarcerated at the Harris County Jail and a dance competition with lunch and door prizes for some 400 senior citizens; it also takes at-risk teens to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and treats them to a holiday party where each guest receives books and a substantial gift card; moreover, it sponsors a college scholarship to encourage academic achievement among eighth graders, who can qualify for an additional $500 grant every year until they reach a total of $2,500 at graduation; and WHEREAS, Navidad En El Barrio has benefited a host of Houston residents over the past three decades, and it is indeed a pleasure to recognize this noteworthy organization as it celebrates this significant milestone in its history; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby congratulate Navidad En El Barrio on its 30th anniversary and extend to the organization sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Hernandez Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 354 was adopted by the House on August 15, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House