In the days following the tragic Dec. 6 shooting at UNLV, campus leadership had to make difficult decisions about many things, including events already scheduled to take place on campus. This included President Whitfield’s Holiday Village, originally scheduled for Dec. 9.

One would be hard-pressed to find anyone from the UNLV community in the mood to “celebrate.” Initially, the sentiment was to cancel the Holiday Village event this year, but that would have taken away what’s become a tradition for the families in the neighborhoods surrounding UNLV.

Some members of the campus pointed to the healing aspects of serving others, and others noted how they’d welcome the opportunity to experience some joy in the midst of all the pain. 

And so, on Saturday, Dec. 16, nearly a year’s worth of planning between UNLV, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and United Movement Organized Kindness came to life. Supported by a small but mighty team of volunteers from the campus and community, UNLV hosted more than 1,300 youth from 460-plus households for President Whitfield’s Holiday Village.

“It gives me great joy to see all of the young people here today who will get to partake in this wonderful holiday event,” Whitfield said. “One of the main focuses we have at UNLV is our commitment to our community.”

Attendees enjoyed learning about how to connect with campus and community resources designed to improve their quality of life. There were table-top activities, including bracelet making and gingerbread house building. A pet therapy yard provided an opportunity for youth to engage with farm animals – an opportunity many of these children who reside in urban neighborhoods have never had.

The face painters and balloon artist were extremely popular, too, as were the many holiday characters and photos with Santa. And, Clark County Fire Department, Community Ambulance, and both Clark County and NSHE-South law enforcement officers and vehicles were also a huge hit with the young attendees. Highlights included learning how to work the fire hose, as well as sounding the sirens and activating the lights.

UNLV Athletics’ “Big Red Chair” was on hand for everyone to climb up and pose for photos, and President Whitfield’s Rebel Ride truck was a huge hit with children and their parents/guardians.

Most importantly, the primary goal of the event – to provide children from underserved households in Southern Nevada with a holiday gift and some holiday cheer – was achieved. Each child was able to select a new toy as a holiday gift to take home.  

“Our tragedy did not pause the needs of underserved community members, especially the children in our community, during the holidays,” Whitfield said.

“To our young people here today, do good in school and remember you will always find a home at UNLV.”

President Whitfield’s Holiday Village was made possible by UNLV in partnership with United Movement Organized Kindness and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and sponsored by Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom, Clark County Commissioner Jim Gibson, Albertsons Grocery Stores, and Purdue Marion & Associates.