While the phrase “Have a Merry Christmas” is freely exchanged by many, the sad reality is that for some, Christmas isn’t such a happy time, with a number of families having to do without. For the children of those families, getting that visit from Santa and finding gifts under a tree may not be realistic in a given year.
The St. Charles Parish Toy and Gift Fund takes aim at solving that problem and doing its part to ensure that as many children as possible can indeed have that Merry Christmas in every way possible.
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.
Through the years the event had grown tremendously. In 2015, the event helped more than 1,000 children find a better Christmas experience.
Low-income parish children and their families are able to pick out toys, play games and enjoy food, all at no charge.
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.
A major toy drive is held every December.
“This event has evolved over the years,” said Michelle Higgins, Director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, which runs the Toy and Gift Fund.
Higgins notes the group’s financial support comes from the United Way of St. Charles, private donations of money and toys and a large amount toys from the Times Picayune Doll and Toy Fund.
Higgins said the funding received through United Way of St. Charles is used to buy toys and books for the children.
“United Way recognizes the needs of our children in the parish and allows us to make Christmas happen,” Higgins said.
Higgins also credited the large number of people who volunteer to make Christmas a reality for many local children and their families.
For her, the cause is near and dear to her heart as she was born and raised in St. Charles Parish.
“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.”
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