The People’s Tribune

Louisiana Chamber Helps Family For Christmas, And You Can, Too

A grandmother and the four children for whom she cares will have a better holiday because of the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce.
The generosity sprang from an idea by Chamber Executive Director Ashley Corbin. The $10 per person monthly luncheon was waived and proceeds were used to buy gifts for the family through the Spirit of Christmas campaign. Almost $400 was raised, and additional donations are expected.
The grandmother is disabled and has her hands full with the four kids, all younger than 10. The children each will get needed clothes and gifts, and the grandmother will receive socks, gloves and jeans. Also on the list are towels and washcloths for everyone.
“It means a lot,” the grandmother said. “I’m struggling as it is. I’m so thankful.”
The five make due in a small apartment. The family in the past has gotten help from other holiday programs, but this is the first year of receiving assistance from Spirit of Christmas.
“They’ve had a pretty rough life,” the grandmother said. “I want my grandchildren to have a better Christmas than they usually have. I’m just trying to make my grandkids happy.”
The campaign is being administered by Louisiana First Christian Church. After being interviewed about needs, 33 families were chosen to receive gifts based upon referrals from schools, the food pantry and other organizations. No money or gift cards are given.
“It’s a really good program,” said organizer Helen Crew. “This is what makes Christmas really great – people helping people.”
While there are more sponsors this year, the number of families has increased since 2017. Sponsors may adopt a family, an individual or just make a donation that will be applied to a need.
“It think it’s really wonderful how the whole community is coming forth,” Crew said. “It just really shows people care.”
While in high school, Corbin joined other students in adopting a family at Christmas.
“Everyone was so happy when we saw how many gifts we were able to get for this local family, who otherwise may have not been able to have any presents under their tree,” she recalled. “I knew that if a group of high schoolers were able to pull together and sponsor a local family, that the Chamber would be able to do it, but on an even larger scale.”
Corbin says she wanted “all Chamber members to be able to be part of the joy” of selfless giving during the season. So, she sent some e-mails and posted the idea on social media. The response was a record number of luncheon attendees on Dec. 3.
“This community is great about coming together and helping out when they know there is a need,” she said.
Besides the obvious impact of selfless giving, Corbin says that, for her, the campaign offers lessons in humility from which all can benefit.
“We don’t realize in our daily lives that we do not have it as bad as we think we do,” she said. “There is someone in the world – heck, even right down the street – that has it much, much worse. I feel that it is so important to remind yourself of just how fortunate you are and to give to those who are not when given the opportunity.”
Donations will be accepted through Dec. 18. People who want more information, may call Crew at 573-324-3055.
“Anything you can do to help will be appreciated,” Crew said.

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