The nonprofit organization *We’re Here, We Care*, in collaboration with host Jabber Jaw, presented the 4th Annual Fun with Mrs. Claus Toy Giveaway and Christmas Dinner on Saturday at the American Legion Memorial Hall. This event aimed to brighten the holidays for children in need by offering toy giveaways, hot chocolate, a Christmas dinner, and photos with Mrs. Claus.
“This holiday season, we came together as a community to spread joy and make memories that will last a lifetime. Thanks to your support, we were able to give out over 200 bikes, tablets, and countless smiles to children and families across the area,” said event organizer Patrick White.
Families with eagerly awaiting children lined up in front of the hall before the event started, quickly filling the venue from wall to wall soon after the doors opened. Families were then able to share a meal with one another while the kids waited for their turn to choose either a bike or a digital tablet, as well as one toy from a well-stocked collection.
White stated that the purpose of this event was to help ensure that all families could create fond Christmas memories to look back on together. “Some families shared their heartfelt emotions, with tears in their eyes, as they had no idea what they were going to do for Christmas. It was truly moving to see the relief and happiness we were able to bring them. One of the most touching moments was when children hugged me and said, ‘Thank you, Patrick White.’ That kind of gratitude is something I will never forget, and it filled me with so much joy,” said White.
*We’re Here, We Care* wants to extend its deepest gratitude to all the incredible sponsors who made the event possible. The Title Sponsor for the event was Diversified Energy. The North Pole Champion was Mercy’s Closet. The Rudolph Lead Sponsors included the Minden Coca-Cola Bottling Co. and Minden Family Dental. The B1 Santa Helpers included Smoking Jay’s, Holmont, Graphs, Sheriff Jason Parker, and Harper’s Motor. The Minden Elf Helpers included Hercules AG and Outdoor, Minden Floral Shop, Baking with Bailey, Gray’s Jewelry, Interstate Building Materials, and Webster Parish Tax Assessor Denise Edwards.
Patrick White also would like to give special thanks to the individuals and organizations who helped put the event together, including Demarcus Moore of Heavy Impact Services, Wesley and Elizabeth Duck, Harmony Chapter #81, Bright Beaming Images, Living Word, Ingrid Hawk, Dale Sinnie, D.J. Ron, and Jabber Jaw.
“Your generosity, dedication, and love for our community helped make this event a success. Together, we’ve proven the power of kindness and the magic of the holiday season. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! We can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together next year,” said White.
Cutline: We’re Here, We Care held their 4th Annual Fun with Mrs. Claus Toy Giveaway and Christmas Dinner on Saturday at the American Legion Memorial Hall where families and their children were able to take part in some holiday cheer and make positive Christmas memories through the toy giveaways, a Christmas dinner, and photos with Mrs. Claus.