Jay Cruz of First United Methodist Church of Denham Springs wheels out a cart of Christmas gifts for Amanda Wray of Denham Springs during the annual Needy Children Christmas Drive.
DENHAM SPRINGS – Amanda Wray feared Christmas would bring extra grief in what has been a tragic year for her.
Wray’s husband died earlier this year. To make matters worse, she worried her limited funds would rule out a visit Christmas gifts for their son.
The Christmas Needy Children Project eliminated her fears.
The 23rd annual event presented by First United Methodist Church of Denham Springs presented toys and food packages.
“I’m in school now and I’m trying to raise my son, so it’s been tough for me,” Wray said. “This has taken a lot of the burden off my shoulders.”
Church member Joyce Annison began the program when she served as a school nurse for the Livingston Parish School System, and has continued it since her retirement.
Nine area schools provide names of two needy families – all from Livingston Parish – who will receive a package consisting half of toys and the other half clothes.
Some kids requested toys, others received bikes.
All the items come wrapped.
“The parents take the gifts home and let Santa take care of the rest of the work,” Annison said.
Seventy-six families will benefit from the program this year. The church also provides them a turkey and side items for the Yuletide feast, courtesy of Livingston Parish Food Pantry.
The church spent $8,000 for the annual project. Monetary donations – many of them from out of state – made the purchases possible.
The project now serves an additional purpose, Annison said.
“The flood affected so many people and there are so many people in need,” she said. “This is just another way we can reach out to the community.”
23rd annual Christmas Needy Children Project brings cheer to Livingston Parish families
DENHAM SPRINGS – Amanda Wray feared Christmas would bring extra grief in what has been a tragic year for her.
Wray’s husband died earlier this year. To make matters worse, she worried her limited funds would rule out a visit Christmas gifts for their son.
The Christmas Needy Children Project eliminated her fears.
The 23rd annual event presented by First United Methodist Church of Denham Springs presented toys and food packages.
“I’m in school now and I’m trying to raise my son, so it’s been tough for me,” Wray said. “This has taken a lot of the burden off my shoulders.”
Church member Joyce Annison began the program when she served as a school nurse for the Livingston Parish School System, and has continued it since her retirement.
Nine area schools provide names of two needy families – all from Livingston Parish – who will receive a package consisting half of toys and the other half clothes.
Some kids requested toys, others received bikes.
All the items come wrapped.
“The parents take the gifts home and let Santa take care of the rest of the work,” Annison said.
Seventy-six families will benefit from the program this year. The church also provides them a turkey and side items for the Yuletide feast, courtesy of Livingston Parish Food Pantry.
The church spent $8,000 for the annual project. Monetary donations – many of them from out of state – made the purchases possible.
The project now serves an additional purpose, Annison said.
“The flood affected so many people and there are so many people in need,” she said. “This is just another way we can reach out to the community.”
