A group of people pose for a people, a majority of the people standing close together behind a connected row of tables piled with wrapped gifts and some people sitting atop bikes in front.
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Fort Cavazos Directorate of Public Works Operations and Maintenance Division team members gather around a tower of gifts that will fulfill the wish lists of 17 children Dec. 18, 2024, at the McLaurin-Boyd Family Clubhouse at Killeen, Texas.
(Photo Credit: Photo by Christine Luciano, DPW Environmental) VIEW ORIGINAL
A man holds wrapped, rectangular boxes while in front of the trunk of a vehicle.
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Colby Armstrong, a lead facilities management specialist with the Directorate of Public Works Operations and Maintenance Division, unloads a truckload of gifts Dec. 18, 2024, at the parking lot of the McLaurin-Boyd Family Clubhouse at Killeen, Texas. (Photo Credit: Photo by Christine Luciano, DPW Environmental) VIEW ORIGINAL
People stand and hold wrapped, rectangular boxes around a row of tables piled with wrapped box and bags with tissue paper.
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Fort Cavazos Directorate of Public Works Operations and Maintenance Division team members unload gifts onto the tables Dec. 18, 2024, at the McLaurin-Boyd Family Clubhouse at Killeen, Texas. (Photo Credit: Photo by Christine Luciano, DPW Environmental) VIEW ORIGINAL

KILLEEN, Texas — The holiday season is a time to give back, spread kindness and come together as a community to support and uplift one another. Fort Cavazos Directorate of Public Works Operations and Maintenance Division team members took acts of generosity and care during the holiday season hoping to create moments of joy.

With a shared mission to spread holiday cheer, the DPW OMD Business Team, Services Branch, West Shop, Central Shop, East Shop, Specialty Shop and Roads and Grounds partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Texas to fulfill the wish lists of 17 children.

Melvin Gray, supervisor of the Business Team for DPW OMD, was among the more than 25 DPW team members who made their way to the McLaurin-Boyd Family Clubhouse Dec. 18, 2024, in downtown Killeen, Texas.

“We appreciate our director, Mr. Dosa, for supporting our efforts to embrace opportunities to assist those in need,” Gray said. “DPW OMD is a team of teams that is united in our purpose to give back to our community. Without them, today would not be possible.”

Tiana Quick, chief executive officer for Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Texas, expressed her sincere gratitude to DPW for the meaningful impact the team makes for both the children and parents.

“Our parents are struggling to pay their bills, put gas in the tank and food on the table; buying Christmas gifts is not an option,” Quick said. “Because of each of you from DPW, know that when you wake up Christmas morning, you also made it possible for someone else to experience the holiday as well.”

Angela Williams, unit director for the McLaurin-Boyd Family Clubhouse, worked with her team to help the children create wish lists. Each child shared a list of their favorite things that included a snack, color, hobby, restaurant, movie and store; shirt, pants and shoes sizes; three items needed; and three items wanted.

“When DPW fulfills the wish lists of our kids, year after year, they are also delivering hope, joy and care to our families who struggle during the holidays,” Williams said. “Seeing the smiles on our kids’ face is a reminder of DPW’s kindness.”

Once the wish lists were received, DPW OMD sprang into action and coordinated efforts to check off each child’s wish list of needs and wants.

Jose Ancira, supervisor of Maintenance and Sustainment for DPW OMD, has played a role in making the holidays brighter for the children at McLaurin-Boyd Family Clubhouse since 2022. He expressed his heartfelt thanks to DPW leadership, OMD Business Team and five area shops.

“With the incredible support of our leadership and DPW OMD team, their willingness to go above and beyond reflects the true spirit of giving,” Ancira said. “It is a reminder of the impact we can have in our community.”

Quick’s remarks echoed Ancira, sharing her appreciation to DPW for embracing the season for giving and making the holiday wishes of 17 children come true.

“Thanks to DPW, our kids get to wake up with the excitement and joy of gifts under the tree,” Quick said. “To see the tears stream down the face of our parents when we tell them DPW is going to help bring gifts, shows our families they are not alone and our community cares.”