This weekend marks the final full weekend before Christmas and also serves as the beginning of L’Observateur’s final push for donations to our second annual holiday drive for the residents of the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Reserve.

L’Observateur has teamed up with the St. John the Baptist Parish Young Marines, Gold Eagle Security and Raising Canes to brighten the holidays for residents of the home by bringing them an assortment of toiletries and other items to help them pass the time at the home. Like last year, we are continuing to seek art supplies, such as paints, brushes, canvases and paper, but this year the scope has been expanded to include bathrobes, towels, slippers and blankets. We are also raffling off a gift basket from Raising Cane’s just in time for bowl season with proceeds going toward additional gifts.

This evening, the Young Marines will be out at the Gold Eagle lighting display in LaPlace with Santa Claus himself taking pictures with children in attendance. They will also be accepting donations.

This is also the last day to purchase tickets for the tailgate package, as the drawing is also this evening.

Both the newspaper and the Sheriff’s Office will continue to accept donations through Monday. The gifts will be delivered to the home Wednesday afternoon. Help us make it a happy holiday for those men and women who gave so much to keep our country safe and free.