By Kathleen Hilliard

khilliard@americanpress.com

Those in the Lake Charles community that have been able to give this year have been striving to go the extra mile to make sure that everyone has some joy in these turbulent times.

To show some care to those in their community, Centex Studies-Lake Charles will be hosting a Christmas Toy giveaway Saturday, Dec. 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., handing out toys and items for Christmas dinners.

“We’re really just looking to reach out to our community and help them during this time,” enthused the Centex Studies-Lake Charles Site Director Amber Victor, “We’re all facing this pandemic, but we’re also all facing rebuilding everything from Hurricane Laura and Delta.”

The drive will take place drive-thru style around their building located at 765 Bayou Pines East. Despite a lack of expected donations, Centex was able to put together boy and girl goodie bags for the Christmas toy giveaway.

Each toy bag will include several little toys, candy, and other items to be gifted to the children. Centex has purchased enough supplies to have 200 boy and 200 girl bags for children aged 3-10.

“We’re just trying to put smiles on children’s faces and be able to hand some food boxes to families here in Southwest Louisiana so that they don’t go without during the Christmas holidays,” explained Victor.

The Christmas dinners will include a $10 gift card for a meat of the recipients choosing, a box of instant mashed potatoes, a box of mac and cheese, a can of cranberry sauce, and the supplies for green bean casserole. Centex has purchased enough supplies to feed 200 families.

Centex is asking those who come to limit to two households per car.

“Unfortunately, we have not received any donations from other individuals or businesses at this time. Centex is currently covering the whole cost of the event, but others are still welcome to come and participate or volunteer. The event is totally open to whoever would like to set up a table and pass out supplies or information,” said Machelle Stephens, director of marketing, Centex Studies.

Victor mentioned that they are always looking for volunteers and any last-minute businesses who want to collaborate with Centex-Lake Charles on the Christmas Toy Drive.

Individuals or businesses wishing to donate can call 337-397-1462 or contact Machelle Stephens at machelle@centexstudies.com.

The Christmas Toy Drive will also be featuring a $500 gift card giveaway. Attendants of the drive will be able to sign up for a chance to win as they go through the drive-thru and receive their food and toys. The winner will be announced 15 minutes before the end of the event via Facebook Live, and will also be contacted by telephone to schedule a time to come and claim their prize.

“It’s incredibly special,” said Victor when asked what it meant that they are able to host the event.

“Many of my employees, including myself, were displaced or had damages to our home. So, to be able to be able to give back, especially during the holidays, is incredibly important to me and to our company.”

Centex will be offering free COVID-19 testing for those that attend along with liver screenings and blood glucose checks all without insurance required.