Local volunteer group, TVFC, holds Holiday Extravaganza

Have you taken a tour around your home in search of the most treasured gift you’ve ever received, gifts of the materialistic kind? No, not your husband or children – but gifts that came wrapped and bowed? Have you some items viewed in your home as “white elephants,” yours because someone thought you would really like having them? Gifts come into our lives because someone wanted us to know that they love, appreciate and respect us as friends, relatives or co-workers.

When researching the history of gift-giving rituals, from Adam and Eve’s apple, to the story of the Three Kings of the Orient to our present day gift-giving events, gift buying is always on our “to-do” list. We have treasured memories of holiday and family gatherings where the excitement of gifting left lasting imprints on our hearts and minds. For many, gifts become part of our décor … our symbols of those treasured events.

With these thoughts, and the theme “Treasured Gifts of TVFC,” the Terrebonne Volunteers for Family and Community, a non-profit arm of the LSU AgCenter, and affiliated with Louisiana Volunteers for Family and Community, came together on Nov. 7, 2013, at the Bayou Black Recreation Gym. Seasonal reflections, craft demonstrations and fundraising activities highlighted the day.

Parish President Michel Claudet addressed the gathering, giving insight into local and current parish issues. He praised the organization for their loyalty and dedicated work as volunteers. Father Wilmer Todd, guest speaker, talked about the misfortunes felt by the homeless and by those forced into slavery, both in the past and in today’s world.

The stage was decorated with five golden gifts to depict the five parish-wide clubs – Bayou Magnolias, Burkwall, Homemakers Holiday, Mulberry and Town & Country – collectively making up TVFC’s volunteer groups. As part of the presentation, TVFC President Mary Ann Boudreaux praised the membership’s “people gifts” and how their enthusiastic volunteerism makes an impact on both families and community. She drew attention to three unwrapped empty boses, symbolizing Time, Talents and Treasures. Bedecked with symbols of the many projects undertaken by TVFC – a child’s dress for last year’s international project “Dresses for Haiti,” a clock to represent the multitude of hours spent by volunteers in bringing projects to fruition, and fake money to symbolize that the membership not only opens their hearts to TVFC’s goals but their pocketbooks as well, the boxes were symbolic of each member.

President Boudreaux next invited council officers to share their assigned “F” gifts representing Faith, Family, Food, Freedom, Friends, Financial Security and Fun – the good “F” words in life. Each spoke about how their “F” word had enriched their lives through their involvement in TVFC. The spokeswoman for Food made a plea for all to remember the hungry and hurting as she revealed food for the Terrebonne Parish Food Bank. The spokeswoman for Faith exposed a crystal cross and related how she also had faith for the future of TVFC. The audience erupted in laughter with the Fun word when an LSU shirt and a Saints shirt were revealed, as well as linking how TVFC members go to far-away places together through the bond of Friendship.

Boudreaux reminded the group that the “F” gifts are those that we must strive to nurture and to keep in our daily prayers, and that without those gifts, all others are pointless. A gift of Thanksgiving was also depicted for the LSU AgCenter. Boudreaux said they always carry TVFC in their back pocket and support their many endeavors.

Betty Guilbeau, international chairperson, demonstrated how to use netting for creating wreaths. Her displayed wreaths were sold as a fundraising project to provide help for the Cambodian transitional mission for human trafficking and sex slavery.

The group then revealed their white elephant purchases: a wrapped re-gifted item, sold for $2. This fundraising project, the sale of TVFC’s cookbook … “Louisiana Legacy,” the sale of Rada knives, a 50/50 drawing and the raffle drawing for Area II Director Janelle Bonvillian’s prized handmade quilt, and for other donated prizes, wrapped up the fun-filled day.

TVFC members promote leadership skills, attend educational workshops, encourage teamwork in all projects and embrace helping the unfortunate. They also promote literacy by their involvement in providing supplies to needy schools, and a great number of books are given out throughout the year. The Salvation Army receives Christmas stockings, sewed and filled by the generosity of TVFC members. The support of the food bank and of the unused drugs take-back initiative is ongoing. Members also support Shoes for Orphan Souls, coupon-clipping for the military, and other various societal concerns or needs. One club’s focus is on creating seasonal crafts with a local nursing home.

The VFC state convention, to be hosted by Lafourche and Terrebonne, will be held in Houma on April 30 through May 2. This annual gathering promises to be an economic boost for this area. With a theme, “Soar with TVFC,” the participants hope that newer and more effective heights will be reached by the efforts and actions of dedicated volunteers. One event will offer a Salute to Marde Gras and will feature the entertaining antics of Houma’s well-known Sue Peace, a member of Le Petit Theater.

After retiring from a teaching career, Boudreaux says she discovered further creative and teaching channels with the TVFC organization where the “F” words march to the forefront of the group’s varied activities. TVFC is having a membership drive. If you or anyone you know wants to join this active group and become involved in their many activities, please request an application form:

TVFC President Mary Ann Boudreaux

@LSU AgCenter

511 Roussell St., Houma LA 70360