By Stephen Hemelt
L’Observateur

CONVENT — There is still time to donate to St. James Parish’s annual Toy and Coat Drive, which aims to provide a warm, fun Christmas to as many as 100 underprivileged local children.

The program is open to the public and often involves individuals, families, groups of co-workers, congregations, businesses and civic organizations donating new toys, winter coats or money, which is used during a giveaway party just before Christmas.

Ingrid LeBlanc, St. James Parish assistant director of the Department of Human Resources, said donations are being accepted through Friday at the DHR office in Convent.

Interested residents can also call 225-562-2354 to arrange a separate drop off location for donated toys and coats.

“We do try to make sure the toys are new and not used toys,” LeBlanc said. “As far as toys, we are looking for infant to 12 years old. We accept large items like bikes and small items like baby dolls. We take whatever can be donated.”

Organizers are seeking new coats for children ages 3 to 12.

Financial donations are often used to help with the coat purchases.

“We have a vendor that we purchase the coats through, so we usually accept monetary gifts for the coats, and we go out and purchase them per size according to the applications,” LeBlanc said.

The donated and bought items will be distributed to low-income families in St. James Parish verified through the Department of Human Resources.

All families are eligible to apply.

“You have to prove you are a low-income family in need,” LeBlanc said. “We ask for proof of household income, and we gather information on the family, the children’s sizes and the number of children in the family.”

Residents can still submit an application or contact Special Programs at 225-562-2419 for more information.

“The Toy and Coat Drive is very important to St. James Parish Government, because we see first hand the enormous need in our communities,” Parish President Timmy Roussel said. “St. James Parish has an impoverished rate of approximately 14 percent. We really appreciate the generous spirit of giving coming from our industries, businesses and individuals during this Christmas season.”

The Toy and Coat Drive children’s giveaway party is planned Dec. 17, and organizers are hoping to sweeten the event with Santa Claus handing out presents and Christmas stories for the youngsters.

“It’s a really wonderful event,” LeBlanc said. “We just try to make it a warm and fun atmosphere for the families to enjoy with their children, so we can bless them with the gifts we have.”

Organizers said the annual drive has been going on at least 14 years, serving approximately 80 children in 2014. With more than $3,000 raised so far this year, LeBlanc said staff members are looking to brighten Christmas for as many as 100 area children this year, adding there is still time to donate.