When Trip Oubre told the staff at LaPlace Equipment Co. LLC that he wanted to put together a Christmas event for underprivileged children. nobody knew quite what to expect.
But Oubre had a vision, and on Saturday that vision saw 67 children and 20 families from St. Charles, St. John the Baptist and St. James parishes enjoy a merrier Christmas as everyone gathered for food, fun, gifts – and the chance to meet Santa Claus.
“This is our sixth year – we started out with probably half as many kids,” said Oubre, the owner of LEC. “We’ve had support from a lot of small, independent sources. Ultimately, we’re hoping some bigger organizations can come aboard to potentially help us as well … for so many kids, it’s rough. These kids have it rough. We just try to give them that one day.”
A team of volunteers served jambalaya, chicken, snacks and cookies to those attending.
A number of those volunteers came via the Destrehan High School marching band. Band director Christopher Williams said the chance to pitch in on Saturday and spread a bit of holiday joy was truly a no-brainer.
“One of our band parents works here and was looking for some additional support – and we can absolutely make that happen,” Williams said. “It’s such a delight to be able to bring Christmas to those families in need and make it a special event for the kids who are here.”
Santa arrived on a fire truck to greet the excited children, who received $100 worth of gifts and a food basket to take home.
That’s made possible by fundraising efforts including raffles as well as donations from vendors, customers, friends and family.
“It grows every year,” said Oubre’s wife Stephanie. “It’s continually a work in progress. It’s a chance to give back – it makes me feel joyous every time we do it.”
She said the work to set the day’s event up starts in September, and seeing the children’s faces light up always makes it worth it.
For two years, the event had to be done by drive-thru, said Nancy LeBlanc of LEC, necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I know (Oubre) likes to see the kids and interact with the families, and we do too,” LeBlanc said. “When they get to go see Santa and get so excited – I’m glad we’re able to have that again.”
For more information about the company or the Christmas initiative, one may call 985-652-5210.
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