Bogalusa Councilwoman Kates on Christmas Give-Away Event

Submitted by Bogalusa Councilwoman Gloria Kates

This is to give appreciation for the support received from all who made the 6th Annual District A Christmas Give-away with Santa a very successful one this year. The participation of this event is much more than we expected and the positive feedback we received is very humbling and encouraging throughout Bogalusa.

First of all in my 6th sponsorship of the event, I would like to thank the children, parents, and guests for your presence and bringing about the true spirit of Christmas. The event was well attended with over 200 children along with their parents throughout District A, as well as, other parts of the city that participated. Parents thank you for the most part I accompanying your children at the event as requested. The event began with a prayer by Rev. Larry Lucas, Sr. and afterward the reading of the Nativity Story. The festivities also included Christmas caroling lead by Christmas Angel Cheryl Baptiste.  Christmas Angels Sara Brown, Stasha Burris, and Kennia Brown organized a "Free Style of Christmas songs and What Christmas means to Me" activities with the children. The Twelve Days of Christmas was lead by Little Ms. Hallie Jackson. Children (ages 0 to 10) selected toys of their choice and - Intermittently 10 bikes, two (2) electric cars, and an array of animated stuffed animals were randomly gifted to the children, as well as, fifteen spiral cut hams were randomly given to parents.
A big thank you to District A Neighborhood Association, LLC's Larry Brown, Gretchen Burris Brown, and Deirdre Mixon and the Bogalusa Fire Department (CPT Ledon J. Robinson and LT Michael  Matthews) for their strong Support. The atmosphere during the event gave everyone a warm feeling of fellowship bringing the community together.

Humbly, my sincere thanks to the following individuals (Christmas Helpers and Angels) that worked tirelessly and the activities in numerous ways and were equally responsible for bringing it to a success. They took up various responsibilities (such as, transporting and organizing children gifts, distributing gifts, preparing, and serving food, and the clean up crew) that ensured the timely implementation of the District A 6th Annual Christmas Give-away. They are: Cheryl Baptist, Gretchen Brown, Kenya Brown, Justin Brown, Larry Brown, Sara Brown, TK Brown, Stasha Burris, Regina Greely, Thomas Kates,  Tony Laurant, Walt Levi, Deitra Mixon, Pat Rhoades, Reginal Powell, Susan Williams, and Eric and Stephanie Yarbrough. Photos of participates, volunteers, and children are courtesy of Rev. Larry Lucas, Sr. and Mr. Thomas Kates.  I greatly appreciate their hard work and helping in this event without any reservation. To God be the Glory.

Wishing you all Happy Blessed Holidays. Councilwoman Gloria Kates