Volunteers and students spread holiday cheer to deployed soldiers with super-stuffed care packages, phone cards and handmade Christmas cards
The Ladies Auxiliary and VFW of Luling are sponsoring two projects for the Christmas season – “Operation Christmas Love” and “Operation Phone Home.”
The groups will be sending local National Guard units Christmas care packages and phone cards because their deployment doesn’t allow them to be home for the holidays.
Students at Boutte Christian Academy are also pitching in to help lift the soldiers spirits with colorful handmade holiday cards and gift bags that will be sent across the world.
Volunteers officially gathered at the Luling VFW hall on Nov. 15 to help prepare the packages for shipment.
Ladies Auxiliary member Donna Guice says that a lot packages were completed, but there’s still more that needs to be done and is rallying for the community’s help.
“We’re halfway there and we appreciate everyone’s donations,” she said. “All of the women’s care packages are finished, but we still need items for the men’s packages.”
Here’s how you can help.
Items needed for care packages include: men’s disposable razors, hand warmers, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner, baby wipes, lip balm, 100 percent wool caps – crocheted is acceptable, deodorant, batteries – especially AA sizes, shaving cream or shaving gel, Ziploc bags – pint and quart sizes, small flash lights, socks, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, body and foot powder, combs, Crystal Light packs – assorted flavors, powdered Gatorade or Powerade, bottled water, hard candy – no chocolate or homemade items.
International phone cards are also in need so the soldiers can call home.
“We are also still accepting monetary donations to help cover the shipping cost for these packages,” said Guice. “Those interested can bring items and other donations to the church in Boutte.”
Drop off for all items is allowed at the West St. Charles Baptist Church in Boutte Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Any resident or business interested in helping with the Christmas projects can contact Donna Guice at 985-758-5175 or 318-537-5123, Veronica Aucoin at 985-783-2383 or Charles Cancienne at 985-758-7716.
Donna Barber and Pastor Randy Burns can be contacted at the church at 985-785-0584 regarding drop offs.
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