Amber Scott watched the first Luling Elementary Student arrive to her Christmas giveaway, and the excitement that roared from him when he saw all the bicycles and toys before him. It was the greatest reminder of why she does what she does.
Scott, a Luling native and Hahnville High alum, brought some joy to several LES students through her fifth annual toy drive and giveaway. 12 students – six boys and six girls – received some very memorable Christmas gifts, as each took home a new bicycle and several toys.
She does this through her own nonprofit organization called The Divine 7. The idea was to organize a toy drive to annually bring joy to students ages five and six during the Christmas season.
“I know Christmas can be very, very hard on families,” said Scott. “We hear ‘remember the true meaning of Christmas’ so much – no child should have to go without. So we started the drive. Knowing that this can be such a difficult time for people, it feels really great to be able to do this and give something.”
She believes in giving back to her community, this just one way she does so. The former dancer with the New Orleans Saints also offers affordable dance performance training to children who might not have the means to take part in the activity otherwise.
“Investing in our youth is important,” Scott said. “That’s our future, our tomorrow.”
Five years ago, Scott and her husband brainstormed the idea to put together a drive, going on to finance the project themselves with the help of business owners, friends and family.
The day of the giveaway itself never fails to warm her heart.
“One little boy just couldn’t let go of his bike,” Scott said. “All of the girls were so excited over their Barbie dolls, and the parents were so appreciative too. The kids loved it, parents loved it – and I loved it.”
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