Many offer the gift of giving to make Christmas brighter for children in need

Making Christmas as merry as possible for children living in poverty was the driving force for the donors, hundreds of volunteers, and St. Vincent de Paul Society staff members who came together behind the scenes for this year’s gift distribution program Dec. 16 at the SVDP Dining Room.

As a festive atmosphere filled the room, Bishop Michael G. Duca, wearing a Santa hat, warmly greeted each child and their family. The bishop presented thousands of gifts to hundreds of children as an extension of God’s love to them from everyone involved in the distribution. 

“I love wrapping gifts,” said Kathy Blackman during a recent volunteer gift-wrapping day. 

Blackman understands the needs of the children and their families, because she received gifts from SVDP when she was growing up. 

“We didn’t know what we were going to get when we opened it up, so I know what the feeling is like,” said Blackman. 

Because of her experiences, Blackman enjoys volunteering with SVDP and several other community organizations that give to those in need. “It’s the giving season,” Blackman said with a smile. 

Likewise, Brittney Johnson, a single mother of a teenage daughter, has known what it is like to not be able to give a child a present and watch his or her happy expression while unwrapping the gift. 

“This is the time when you need more families together (and children provided for),” said Johnson. 

Top right photo: Bishop Michael G. Duca expresses his joy as he distributes Christmas gifts to children. Photos by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator 
Photo above: Olivia Hambrick, left, and Hollie Easterling carry bags of wrapped gifts.

Delania Wallace, wearing a green Santa hat, anticipated how the gifts would help provide families a reprieve from the burden of poverty. 

“I have kids of my own. I imagine the joy and the excitement of the children opening their presents,” said Wallace. “But I also think about parents who knew they were not able to afford gifts and that someone donated something (for their children). It gives you a sense of warmth.” 

Hollie Easterling’s interest in wrapping Christmas presents piqued as she volunteered to serve food at SVDP at Thanksgiving, Easter and Christmas. 

“I saw the gifts (people) would bring to give to the children,” said Easterling. “This is the first time I’ve (wrapped gifts), so I feel like I’m in the backstage part of it.” 

As Olivia Hambrick wrapped gifts during her Christmas break from Southeastern University, she pictured the children waking up, opening their gifts, and then jumping for joy. 

“Kids are so sweet. I love kids and whenever they’re happy it makes me smile,” Hambrick said. 

Shelby Bennett volunteered every day from a sense of gratitude to wrap presents  gathered during the gift drive. She will also help SVDP distribute presents on Christmas Day. 

“When you get to give toys to kids, it’s the best part of Christmas Day,” said Bennett. “It comes full circle: I wrap (the present), and then I get to hand it out.” 

St. Joseph Cathedral, the bishop’s home parish, supports projects the bishop is involved in. Gifts collected through the cathedral’s Giving Tree, sponsored by the cathedral’s Social Responsibility Committee, were brought to SVDP for distribution. 

Delania Wallace, left, and Brittney Johnson wrap gifts with thoughts about the children’s joy when opening them. 

People who donated to the Giving Tree brought unwrapped gifts or made monetary donations. Jane Skerkoske and Desha Martin, SVDP volunteer coordinator, used the donated money to purchase gifts based on the age categories most in need. 

“That kind of shopping is fun,” grinned Skerkoske, who was busily wrapping and tagging gifts. “The trip is a blast.” 

“We’re so grateful for the donors and volunteers because this project could in no way be successful without them,” Martin added. “Everyone comes with an open heart and a heart full of love.” 

Before he distributed the gifts, Bishop Duca led the volunteers in prayer and thanked them and the people who donated gifts individually or through the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Sylvia’s Toys, churches of other denominations, or various organizations. He also prayed for the children who would receive the gifts and their families. 
 
The children beamed with delight when given the gifts. Just as notable was the response of the children’s parents and grandparents. 

Tears spilled from Winnie Boudreaux’s eyes as she spoke about the difficulties that she, her daughter Angel, and Angel’s children, La’Kell and Aaron, have been through. Boudreaux’s recent hospitalization took her away from work, and Angel could not work because she stayed home with the children. 

“We just didn’t have anything, and we couldn’t give them anything,” said Boudreaux.  “I don’t know what we would have done without (SVDP).” 

Bikes were among the gifts distributed to children.