Several Christmas giveaways planned in St. Charles Parish

Devona, Stephanie and Kristén L’Herisse will partner with Toys for Tots for a Christmas toy giveaway.

With the holiday season in full swing, several St. Charles Parish residents have taken it upon themselves to reach out to the less fortunate children and senior citizens of the community and organize toy and gift drives for them.

The events, which will undoubtedly bless the recipients, also offer an opportunity for other residents to donate items to the efforts.

Keltric Lockett’s 8th annual toy giveaway  

Boutte resident Keltric Lockett will hold his eighth annual holiday toy giveaway on Dec. 20 from 1-5 p.m. at the Killona Firehouse.

He said he started the event years ago to ensure children from economically disadvantaged homes have a fun and memorable Christmas.

No pre-registration is required, and all attendees are asked to wear masks.

“I just love people and like seeing the smiles on their faces,” Lockett said. “It’s important to volunteer and have love in your heart for people – and I mean everyone. If only everyone would come together as one this world would be a better place. My goal is to reach out to people and let them see that we are all one in God’s sight.”

Lockett said the giveaway would not be possible without the support of the owners of the Killona Landfill, St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne and his wife Alice, general manager of Birdie’s Mike Nabut, Raymond Coleman, District Attorney Joel Chaisson, Casey and Joann Leblanc, the Killona fire department, District 1 Councilwoman La Sandra Darensbourg Gordon, Parish President Matthew Jewell, Councilwoman-At-Large for Division B Holly Fonseca, Division C Judge Connie Aucoin and attorney Kevin Boshea.

To donate to the drive, contact Lockett at 985-722-8699.

Kare 4 Kidz/Toys For Tots giveaway

Local non-profit organization Kare 4 Kidz is partnering with the Daedalus Foundation and Toys for Tots for a Christmas toy giveaway.

Kare 4 Kidz was started in April of 2018 by sisters Stephanie and Kristén L’Herisse and their mother Devona.

“We wanted to make a difference with children and their families,” Kristén said. “Life just doesn’t run smoothly, so through tough times people should have someone they can rely on and distractions to take their minds off things.”

The organization hosts holiday giveaways, as well as offers classes to young people on different topics such as AutoCAD and Adobe.

Registration for the event is open now until Dec. 15, with a distribution day planned for Dec. 21.

To register, visit kare4kidz.org or daedaluscharity.org. For more information contact Devona L’Herisse at 504-621-2493

Dat Dads Club’s 6th annual toy drive

Dillenkoffer

Amber Dillenkoffer, a senior at Destrehan High School, is partnering with local nonprofit organization Dat Dads Club to collect new and unwrapped toys for infant through teenage boys and girls.

“This drive is something near and dear to my heart,” Dillenkoffer said. “I have been blessed for 17 years now with everything I could ever want and need, especially at Christmas, and it breaks my heart to know that some children can’t say the same. I will do anything I can to bring joy to a child during the season of giving. It’s been beautiful to see the community come together to spread Christmas cheer to those who need it.”

There is no pre-registration for the event, and face masks are required. The giveaway is set for Dec. 19 at 9:00 a.m. at the Jerusalem Shriners Hall in Ormond.

Anyone interested in donating a toy can visit the Facebook page – Amber’s Reason for the Season Toy Drive – or call 504-458-8070 for more information.

Toys and monetary donations will be accepted through Dec. 17. Toy drop-off locations include Cherry Lane Boutique, J’Aime Le Café, Sweet Rolls Ice Cream, Johanna’s Jazz in Motion and Main Squeeze Juice Co.

Twas the Night Before Christmas senior citizen giveaway

Sha’Nelle Harris is accepting donations now until Dec. 18 for her giveaway that is aiming to help the senior citizens of St. Charles Parish.

“I decided I wanted to start my own project,” she said. “I thought about our seniors, because they sometimes go unnoticed.”

Harris said the giveaway is important because it bridges the gap that COVID has forced.

“A lot of us are missing human connection,” she said. “This is our hug for our seniors. Our supporters wrap them up with throws and warm slippers in hopes that they can feel cared for and loved … in hopes that they can feel that we love and care for them.”

Due to the pandemic, Harris will be dropping the donations off at each senior citizen’s home.

To donate items or money to Harris’ effort, or to nominate a senior citizen to be a recipient of the giveaway, email shanellevharris@gmail.com.

 

About Monique Roth 919 Articles
Roth has both her undergraduate and graduate degree in journalism, which she has utilized in the past as an instructor at Southeastern Louisiana University and a reporter at various newspapers and online publications. She grew up in LaPlace, where she currently resides with her husband and three daughters.

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