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Toys for Tots drive begins

Written by Jana Ryan

Wednesday, 25 November 2009

The annual Toys for Tots toy drive, sponsored by the Minden Civitan Club and the Young Women’s Service Club, is now under way.
Each year, the two organizations collect and distribute toys to needy children in the Minden-South Webster Parish area. Just before Christmas, members of the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Minden Police Department deliver the presents.

“The Christmas season is upon us once again and in the spirit of the season, you are being called upon to help those less fortunate than you,” said Ed LaBruyere, Minden Civitan Club toy chairman. “While there are many good programs that need your assistance, the sponsoring clubs desperately need your help with the local toy donation program.”

Through this program, hundreds of children in Minden and the south end of the parish receive at least one new toy for Christmas. Many of these children would receive nothing if not for the generous, caring people of the community.

“Last year, this program provided toys for more than 900 children in the Minden-South Webster Parish area,” said LaBruyere. “We were able to run this program due to the generosity of local businesses and individuals who donated money plus hundreds of dollars worth of new toys for the children.”

Those wishing to be considered for this program may obtain an application form at the Minden Police Department, the Minden fire stations, the Webster Community Action Office or at the local UCAP office. Only children up to the age of 13 will be considered.

“In order to have all of the toys delivered by Christmas, all applications for assistance must be in the hands of the sponsors by December 14,” LaBruyere said.

New, donated toys may be delivered to the Minden Police Department or any Minden fire station. Several local businesses will also have drop boxes available for toys.

Monetary donations may be mailed to Minden Civitan Club, P.O. Box 95, Minden, La., 71058. Checks should be made out to Civitan International Foundation, Federal ID #23-7407941.

“We ask that you please consider us again this year,” said LaBruyere. “Without your help, several hundred children will think that no one cares.”

Comments (9)

1 Written by WMFWBP, on 26-11-2009 20:31
You know, I really do feel for the "real" deserving families in all parishes, but I also know that there are some non-deserving families that get all this free stuff too. Those are the families that spend all of their "check" for drugs, alcohol, and casino's! Then they will be the first one's in line looking for a "free handout"! Makes me sick to my stomach that there are people that have no conscious at all. They'll always be the first in line at any free give-away event anywhere.

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2 Written by nfern0, on 27-11-2009 22:52
Dear WMFWBP, I totally agree with you. Glad someone else has the nerve to say it. I donate money, food and gifts to the needy but only through our church program. The recipients are known to be needy and truly deserving of help. I do not wish to donate to people who don't try to help themselves. I am sorry that their children have to suffer for it, but as long as we provide for them, they will continue to let us. After hearing recipients of a community food drive complaining about the quantity and quality of their food basket, I was so disgusted I vowed never again to help unless I knew who I was helping. These people were angry about being given store brands instead of name brands.

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3 Written by msthic, on 29-11-2009 12:02
nferno...these people sound so prejudice when you people is usually first to open your hand for something

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4 Written by msthic, on 29-11-2009 12:05
WMFWBP...what about the people who spend all of their checks on bills...yhis leaves no extra money for anythig...GROW UP.... HURRY

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5 Written by nfern0, on 29-11-2009 16:06
I have no problem with helping people who spend their money to pay their bills. I have no problem with helping the elderly, the sick, people who recently lost a family member and anyone who due to a specific difficulty have trouble making ends meet. I do, however, have a problem with helping those who won't help themselves. Those who let themselves become dependent on society for their every need. That is why I donate to programs that I know will help those truly in need. You are welcome to help anyone you so desire, but I reserve the right to decide for myself who is deserving. It's my money, after all. We haven't gone communist, yet. And msthic, since you don't know me, you can't say that I am the first to hold out my hand. About 30 years ago I was on unemployment for a few months, to the best of my memory, that's the only government help I have ever received, or asked for.

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6 Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , on 30-11-2009 10:46
I have worked helping to give out toys and have seen parents put the childrens names on multiple lists trying to get the children toys from each list(greedy!!!!!).

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7 Written by CountryGirl, on 30-11-2009 15:16
Amen to WMFWBP and nfern0...you hit the nail on the head!! This is one program I will not contribute too. I am not going to support those I already do. Those who are on welfare, SSI,who are lazy, unproductive citizens of society who are only looking for a free handout and who would rather buy beer, cigarettes and drugs than take care of their kids. You know who you are. Those who truly benefit from this...great! Kuddos to the police dept for delivering these toys to these greedy, selfish, unappreciative freeloaders (MOST of them). I know ya'll have MORE pressing issues than playing Santa. Maybe this job needs to fall on the hands of others so ya'll can continue protecting the good citizens of Minden...

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8 Written by Larry Jay, on 30-11-2009 18:38
Happy Holidays, One And All!!!

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9 Written by jdtractor, on 01-12-2009 13:12
If you are looking for a worthwhile charity for the holiday season and want to be sure your donation is used for a truly good cause, I would suggest your local animal shelter. Please don't let the greed of some, keep you from helping the truly needy.

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