Christmas comes early as 1,000 kids receive donated toys

The St. Charles Parish Toy Drive delivered a day of games, food, toys and plenty of smiles to roughly 1,000 parish children on Saturday.

Michelle Higgins, director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, said that the whole affair involved two days of preparation and, as of Monday, volunteers were still working to inventory remaining toys. Crews began shopping for the necessary toys two days prior to the event, Higgins said, and the gym at the St. Charles Parish Community Center was prepared the next day.

Children were given invitations while at school to attend, each one with a different time group in order to keep things moving smoothly. Upon arrival, children were treated to a picture alongside Santa Claus, and then ushered to an area where games were played. Children won prizes as part of a holiday-themed game before being escorted to the gym by one of Santa’s helpers, played by various volunteers from R.K Smith and J.B. Martin middle schools.

The gym held about 10,000 toys, piled along the bleachers and organized into age-appropriate groups. The children all received books and got the chance to select their own toy.The fund serves children from birth to 12 years old, with assistance provided by St. Charles Parish Public Schools in selecting students for the program.

Stevie Crovetto, spokeswoman for the school system, said each school submitted students who were most deserving of holiday cheer and a special toy based on economic need.

After receiving a gift, children and their families were escorted outside to a cookout hosted by Valero, just before picking up their photo with Santa.

All told, more than 100 volunteers were needed to pull off the event.

The drive is regularly funded by donations made throughout the year, including $15,000 received from the United Way of St. Charles this year. The Times-Picayune Toy and Doll Fund also provided toys to the event and, in exchange, members of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program will help with the Times-Picayune’s toy distribution, according to Higgins.

Higgins said the gifts aren’t just received by the children, but allow volunteers to receive the gift of giving back to the community.

“[Volunteers] call every year and that’s their thing,” Higgins said. “That’s what they love to do.”

Higgins said the organization will continue to deliver select toys under special circumstances throughout the week.“All things considered, if all things stay consistent, it’s full steam ahead for next year,” Higgins said.