Gifts sought for toy drive that brings Christmas joy to hundreds

Event serves St. Charles Parish children

Gift donations are still being accepted through a toy drive for an event that is sure to put plenty of smiles on the faces of local children.

The annual St. Charles Parish Toy and Gift Fund will collect donations until Dec. 7 for the annual event in which parish children and their families are able to pick out toys, play games and enjoy food, all at no charge.

The Toy and Gift Fund is held by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) with assistance from the United Way of St. Charles, Valero, the Rotary Club of St. Charles Parish and the Times Picayune.

“Everything should be falling into place this week and next,” said Michelle Higgins, RSVP director and gift fund committee member. “The last several years, we’ve reached so many children and we’re looking forward to doing that again this year.”

The Toy and Gift Fund was created in the mid-1980s by a group of local residents and business owners wanting to help families and children of the parish in need. Each year, mounds of toys are stacked high on bleachers surrounding the gym walls of Edward A. Dufresne Community Center in Luling.

Each of the children who attend get to participate in a fun holiday event where they can take pictures with Santa, play holiday-themed games for prizes and pick out an age appropriate book and a toy.  Once everyone is done, Valero provides food and refreshments for all to enjoy.

Through the years the event had grown tremendously. In 2015, the event helped more than 1,000 children find a better Christmas experience.

“It is a wonderful cause,” Higgins said. “So, to coordinate this event is a huge honor. My main goal the last three years was to make this a great experience for the children involved. I always look forward to seeing the children light up with excitement as they wait to see Santa and pick out a toy.”

Those seeking to donate may bring an unwrapped toy for a boy or girl ages newborn to 12 years old to the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program office, which is located within the Edward A. Dufresne Community Center in Luling.

 

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