Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

 

EDGARD — Children’s toys and gift card donations will continue to be accepted through Nov. 30 for the Bunty’s Angels: “Motivating One Child at a Time” inaugural toy drive.

Individuals, organizations and businesses are invited to donate new and unused toys and gift cards appropriate for boys and girls ages 1 to 15. Donations can be dropped off inside the large gift box on the porch at 142 East St. in Edgard.

Organizer Jade Champagne saw the challenges local families have endured this year, and she felt a calling in her heart to help make this holiday season a little brighter. The toy drive is leading up to a walk-through Christmas Bash to be held from 10 a.m. to noon December 5 at the Juan Anthony Joseph Memorial Park, located at 3445 Highway 18 in Edgard. The goal is to bless at least 100 children with Christmas gifts.

“I was inspired to do this because of the pandemic and everything that’s going on. I knew a lot of people were out of a job because of COVID,” Champagne said. “I wanted to do an event to help the community and also to spread some positive vibes through these rough times.”

Toys will be spread out under the airnasium at the Juan Anthony Joseph Memorial Park. Children walking through will be able to pick out whatever toy catches their eye and warms their spirits.

According to Champagne, the event will also feature hotdogs, chips, juice and a picture-perfect Christmas backdrop that parents can use for photos.

Facial coverings are required, and families are asked to social distance to the best of their ability during this outdoor event.

There are no requirements to take part in this event, which exists to fill a need in the community.

“I just want the community to know that this is an event for everybody,” Champagne said. “It’s not just an event for the West Bank. The East Bank is welcome as well.”

Bunty’s Angels is a community organization with a mission of “motivating one child at a time.”

Earlier this fall, the organization equipped East St. John Preparatory Academy scholars with the school supplies needed for academic success. Bunty’s Angels also recently participated in a community trunk-or-treat event.

For more information about the ongoing toy drive and the Christmas Bash, please contact Champagne at 985-210-4117.