E.D. White loses championship to University Lab
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SHOP LOCAL: La Belle Maison is Wrapped in Pretty Paper that Sheens with the Spirit of Nostalgia
December 12, 2021
Christmas came early for dozens of families in Terrebonne Parish thanks to the Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence. The foundation co-hosted a toy giveaway today at the Bayou County Sports Park to help spread holiday cheer to families affected by Hurricane Ida.
With the help of the Tunnel to Towers Foundations, Shell, United Way for South Louisiana, and generous donations and support from the community, TFAE was able to raise $20,000, distributing hundreds of toys to children in the community.
TFAE’s Executive Director Ashlee Barahona said the event wouldn’t have been possible without the help of multiple sponsorships. “The Tunnel to Towers Foundation retired firefighters from 9/11 promised us back in August that they’d be back in December with Toys. A promise made is a promise kept, and they showed up yesterday after traveling for three days with $10,000 worth of toys.”
“A couple of days ago, United Way called and said we want to match that $10,000, not only at this location in Terrebonne Parish but also at a location in Lafourche Parish. We were able to raise $20,000 worth of toys to victims of Hurricane Ida,” Barahona added, “So far we’ve had a tremendous turnout, the kids are having so much fun. It’s just been an incredible day.”
In addition to the free toy distribution, guests were treated to Hot chocolate, Gingerbread Cookies, Donuts, Dirty rice, Jambalaya. Santa Claus made a special appearance, and Minnie Mouse stopped by for story time and photos.
The toy giveaway focused on the children of families who were affected by Hurricane IDA. TFAE’s goal was to help families who were devastated by the storm provide a sense of normalcy for their children this holiday season.
“We can still live in our house, but a lot of bricks fell, my son’s room was destroyed, and FEMA denied us so now we have to pay for everything out of our pocket.” said Daisy Moore, a mother of two, and resident of Montegut. “That’s why events like this are pretty awesome, money is tight right now,” Moore added.
