H.R. No. 354
R E S O L U T I O N
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