By Chrissy Carter and David Vitrano
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – A number of toy giveaways were held in St. John the Baptist Parish last weekend to benefit the many children who lost everything to Hurricane Isaac as well as those whose families regularly face financial difficulties, especially around the holiday season.

The Young Marines of St. John Parish gathered at the Civic Center in LaPlace Saturday to help others in need this holiday season with a Toys for Tots giveaway. Bags of toys, bundles of clothes, and bikes lined the walls of the building as residents came to pick up their gifts.

“Toys for Tots has always been a mainstay for the Marine Corps for decades, and we are just trying to help out our local Marine Corps units by having a Toys for Tots drive here in LaPlace,” said Brian Bertrand, unit commander for the Young Marines.

Not only did this toy drive assist those hurting in the parish, but also it warmed the hearts of the Young Marines.  

“Some of my close friends lost everything in the Hurricane. This was my way of helping others this Christmas, and it taught me to always give back to your community,” said Young Marine Kenyatte Cannon.

In all, the Young Marines provided gifts for more than 400 local families.

Meanwhile at New Wine Christian Fellowship, LaSocial Clubs United, comprised of groups such as DGB, Distinguished Brothers and Distinguished Sisters, held its own toy giveaway. Each member donated $100 worth of gifts to the cause.

“We have gifts ranging from infants to 12 year olds. It was important for us to show up and give back to the community during Christmas time,” said Distinguished Sister Yada Clark.  

For community members that faced hardships from Hurricane Isaac, this toy drive symbolized more than giving. It showed that loving your neighbor as yourself was still prevalent in today’s society.

“This means so much to our community,” said parent Jackee Charles. “It is fantastic that there are people out there who care so much about our children’s happiness during this difficult time.”

Then on Sunday, Celebration Church, in partnership with Can-Do, held a toy giveaway to help the local community, including some of its own congregation. The church, located on U.S. Highway 51 in LaPlace, took on about 2 feet of water from Hurricane Isaac, so many in its congregation lost much to the storm. Beyond that, according to Pastor Chris “Checkerz” Williams, members of the church and Can-Do went door to door in heavily affected neighborhoods to let them know about the giveaway.

More than 700 toys, including bikes, dolls, balls, trucks and skateboards, were available for the taking.

“We really just prayed for an opportunity to be a blessing to the children,” said Williams. “When a family has lost everything, it means so much more.”