The Minden Civitan Club and the Young Women’s Service Club (YWSC) join forces each year as part of the Civitan Santa program to collect new toys and ensure that the holiday season is brightened for children in need.
Members of YWSC gathered at the Walmart entrance on Friday night to collect toys and donations. In a display of community generosity, the effort yielded $423 and two shopping carts filled with toys. Brandi Cade, the correspondence secretary for YWSC, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “While I love all of the community service initiatives I get to be a part of with the Young Women’s Service Club, Civitan Santa has to be my favorite. It’s especially heartwarming to have kids come out of the store with toys in hand, ready to give to other kids!”
For those looking to contribute, there is still time to make a difference. YWSC will collaborate with the Civitans on December 15 and 18 to pack bags and toys for all registered children in the Civitan Santa program. The Minden Police Department and the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office deliver these heartfelt gifts to children just before Christmas.
Donations of new unwrapped toys can be delivered to the Minden police station or any Civitan member. Cash contributions are also welcomed and can be sent to the Minden Civitan Club at P.O. Box 95, Minden, LA 71058. Additionally, various businesses within the community have designated drop boxes for toy donations.
“I think I can speak for all of the ladies in YWSC when I say that the Civitan Santa toy drive is one of our most fulfilling events each year,” Cade stated. “To know that we can assist with providing not only toys on Christmas morning to so many children, but also a feeling of hope and joy and keeping the magic of Christmas alive for them, gives us all a sense of purpose and provides joy to us in return. The Civitans have always done such an amazing job with this, and we’re so grateful that we’ve been able to assist them for several years, and we fully plan to continue doing so.”
Application forms for assistance are available at the Minden Police Department and the Webster Community Action offices. Children up to the age of thirteen will be considered for the program. All applications must be submitted to the sponsors by December 15.