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As has become a holiday season tradition, Terrebonne Parish schools have donated thousands of dollars to several charitable organizations.
And once again the money isn’t coming from the School District. It’s coming directly from the children of Terrebonne Parish public schools as part of its yearly Consolidated Drive.
One week in October, Terrebonne Parish public school students are given the opportunity to donate, and every year they take full advantage of it.
“Giving is a very important thing we all need to learn the value of, and giving kids the opportunity to give to other kids who need it is a win-win,” Terrebonne Parish School District Superintendent Philip Martin said.
Students donated a total of $8,303.72 this year, and the money was evenly distributed among seven charitable organizations including the American Red Cross, CASA of Terrebonne, Louis Infant Crisis Center, MacDonell United Methodist Children’s Service, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Project LEARN La-Terre and The Haven.
“We think it’s healthy that children are a part of the opportunity to contribute to worthwhile issues,” Martin said.
Martin added that the donated amount roughly stacks up to what students have raised in recent years. Terrebonne Parish public school students donated $8,640.90 during last year’s Consolidated Drive.
Representatives from the organizations received checks for about $1,100 – one seventh of the amount donated – at the Terrebonne Parish School Board meeting. All of the groups will use the money to help those in need – most of which in Terrebonne Parish.
“This is smiles on a child’s face,” Marine Mastery Gunnery Sgt. Linwood Liner said referring to the check he had just received from the school district. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation donates toys to 8 to 9 million needy American children annually, according to Liner.
“We could not do it without the help of the community,” he added.
To donate or request a toy, visit toysfortots.org.
Project Learn La-Terre has been the beneficiary of donations from Terrebonne Parish students for the past three years, and executive director Natalie Bergeron said those donations have resulted in more than 63 people in the bayou community earning a GED.
“This money does go a long way. It pays for people’s testing to be able to get their GED,” she said.
To donate or inquire for assistance, reach Project Learn La-Terre at 985-860-4377.
CASA of Terrebonne represents the welfare of children in court. Reach them at 985-876 0250 to volunteer or donate.
“It’s going to continue our mission and efforts with the abuse and neglected children in Terrebonne Parish,” said CASA of Terrebonne Executive Director Nicole Wesley.
The American Red Cross provides a bevy of services including disaster relief, health and safety services and lifesaving blood supplies, among many other things. Contact the South Louisiana Chapter at 504-620-3105.
Louis Infant Crisis Center provides 24-hour care for abused, abandoned and neglected children. It can be reached at (985) 872-4984.
MacDonell United Methodist Children’s Service provides a residential home for children whose circumstances leave them in need of a safe, loving and nurturing environment. Donations can be made, and more information can be found at Macdonellchildren.org.
The Haven empowers survivors of family violence and sexual assault to live safe, independent and violence-free lives. It can be reached at www.havenhelps.org or 985-872-0757.
“What’s particularly noteworthy is with the exception of the Red Cross, and we know the connection and identity Red Cross has in Terrebonne Parish, all of these other ones are in Terrebonne Parish, and it’s Terrebonne Parish kids. It’s connected to children,” Martin said.
The Terrebonne Parish School District presented checks to the following charitable organization representatives (from left) Kevin Champagne of MacDonell United Methodist Children’s Service, Nicole Wesley of CASA of Terrebonne, Julie Pellegrin and Melissa Williams of The Haven, Marine Mastery Gunnery Sgt. Linwood Liner of Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Pauline Dillie and Chris Nuebel of the American Red Cross and Natalie Bergeron of Project LEARN La-Terre. Louis Infant Crisis Center also received a check.
