On the third Friday of each month, a Southwest Louisiana business or a group of Sulphur officials volunteer at the Sulphur Senior Center.

“These volunteers commit to two-and-a-half hours once a year,” said Tommy Little. “Companies bring a team of five or six, load the food boxes and then serve the seniors who have qualified for the Food for Seniors Program as they drive through. With today’s rising food prices, it’s my hope that more seniors find out about the program and more companies volunteer to help in whatever way they can.”

The Food for Seniors Program is not limited to Sulphur seniors. Calcasieu Parish has 17 sites for food distribution. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as part of the USDA Commodity Supplemental Food Program. In Louisiana, it is a joint effort between the USDA, Louisiana Catholic Charities, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals and the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury. Seniors, 60 and over, fill out applications in advance.

Little, who was named Southwest Louisiana 2021 Champion of Service, started the program in 2018. He said his work is mostly behind the scenes “connecting the dots” between community needs and the people who can lend a helping hand.

“Volunteers won’t have to show up as early as Mayor Danahay,” Little said. “He’s been known to show up early enough to help unload the truck. Ward 4 Marshal Brandon Dever helps us deliver to the retirement community and housing authority.”

Volunteers distribute food at the Sulphur Senior Center from 8 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

This year’s volunteers have included Stine Lumber, W.R. Grace, Calcasieu Assessor’s Office, Destiny Driven Youth, Maplewood Lions, Team Citgo, Edward Jones, Exit Realty, W.R. Grace, Sulphur Rotary and West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital.

Little said employees from these companies not only experience the joy of volunteering, and also often ask what more they can do. W.R. Grace donated 45 honey hams for Christmas last year. Some companies join the Sulphur Senior Center “Partners for Elderly” and give $100 a month or a one-time donation of $1,200. One retiree donates car seats. Companies call bingo and supply prizes that might include gift cards or donate nonperishables.

Little said individuals, as well as companies seeking to volunteer at Sulphur Senior Center are encouraged to email him at twlittle@suddenlink.net to find out more.

“If you know a senior citizen that needs food aid, I hope you’ll assist them in making the call to apply for the Senior Food Program, or in getting to one of the distribution centers to apply,” Little said.

To register for Food for Seniors, call 337- 721-4020, ext 5111. The only-every-third Saturday location is at Word of Hope Worship Center, 3975 East Prien Lake Road. Distribution sites at Chateau Du Lac, 333 Mill St. and Golden Arms, 1481 Third St. were damaged by hurricanes but plans are underway to start distribution soon. Current distribution locations and times on the third Friday of the month are as follows:

Allen P. August Multi Purpose Annex, 2000 Moeling St., Lake Charles, 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Bell City/Hayes Fire Station, 8141 Galley Road, Hayes, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

DeQuincy Fire Station/City Hall, 300 N. Holly St., 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Iowa Community Center, 207 W. US 90, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.

Moss Bluff VFW Post 7321, 2668 US 171 & Joe Miller Rd., 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m.

Starks Fire Station, 4747 Evangeline Hwy., Starks, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.

Sulphur Senior Center, 601 Maple St., 8 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

Sulphur Retirement Community, 503 Cypress St., 8 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

Tower Oaks, 222 Louie St., Lake Charles, 11 a.m.- noon

University Park, 1001 Central Park, Lake Charles, 1 p.m.-2p.m.

Vinton Pentecostal Church, 1805 West St., 12:30 p.m.- 1:30 p.m.

Westlake Senior Center, 2001 Jones St., 9:30 a.m.- 10:30 a.m.