The holiday season is a time for giving. What better way to give than to give back to others in need in Acadia and St. Landry? Not only does it help our Acadia-St. Landry communities grow stronger, but if you involve your children, it gives them a lifelong lesson in the importance of helping others when you can. With that in mind, here are ways you and your family can get involved in giving back around Acadia-St. Landry this holiday season ... and all year long.
Donating toys, clothes, or food in Acadia-St. Landry
 Getty Images Signature via Canva |
Acadia-St. Landry Parish Toy Drives
How to donate: Many local businesses have drop boxes where new, unwrapped toys can be donated to be distributed locally by various organizations including:
Marine Corps Toys for Tots
The Vanilla Bean in Crowley. Donations picked up first week in December.
Lyons Point Country Store, LLC in Crowley | 2418 Muskrat Rd. 70526
Southern Pup Pet Grooming in Church Point | 206 East Canal St. 70525
Louisiana Academy of Beauty in Eunice | 550 E. Laurel Ave.
CASA of St. Landry-Evangeline Christmas Toy Drive
Details: New toys are being collected up till December 9 to be distributed to foster children locally.
How to donate: Toys can be dropped off at either of these two CASA locations:
421 N. Main St. Opelousas
721 W. Lincoln Rd., Ville Platte
Additional local businesses are hosting toy drive boxes at their establishments where unwrapped toys can be donated. Check back for updates as we add these when we receive confirmation on locations.
Have questions? For questions about toy donations or more information on drop boxes contact CASA
Trahan ENT and Aesthetics Toy Drive
Details: Trahan ENT and Aesthetics has partnered up with local agencies to bring some Holiday cheer to local children in St. Landry parish from 11/30 -12/10.
How to Donate: Drop off a new, unwrapped gift at their office or purchase a Trahan ENT and Esthetics gift card and they will donate a toy.
Location: 3935 I-49 South Service Rd., Opelousas
Angels of Krotz Springs Toy Drive
Details: The town of Krotz Springs is holding their annual Toy Drive for local children in the community. Applications for recipients can be picked up at Town Hall.
How to donate: Anyone can make a donation by dropping off toys to Town Hall between 8am-4pm. The deadline for donations will be December 16.
 Getty Images Signature via Canva |
Clothing Drives in Acadia and St. Landry
Check with local homeless and domestic violence shelters, warming shelters, mental health services, veterans organizations, and other non profits.
SLP Early Childhood Center 2nd Annual Coat Drive
Details: New and gently used coats, caps, mittens, and scarves, are being accepted from St. Landry Parish HeadStart Centers for the 2nd year to help keep kids warm this winter.
How to donate: In addition to SLP Head Start Centers across the parish, several local businesses have partnered up to host drop off boxes where coats can be donated including the following:
St. Landry Parish Visitor Center
Benny's Supermarket: 806 S. Union Street, Opelousas
Cajun Fitness in Eunice: 163 N. Bobcat Drive
Champagne's Marche: 3802 Hwy. 31, Leonville
The Snack Shop 2, LLC: 221 1st. Street, Melville
Grand Coteau Town Hall: 231 Burleigh Ln.
Washington Town Hall: 405 N. Washington St.
Have questions? For information on additional drop off locations accepting coats and winter apparel contact the Family Engagement Manage at (337) 467-7428
3rd Annual Winter Coat Drive at Wild Child Boutique
Details: Winter coats for kids will be collected for kids in and around surrounding areas. Solid colors without logos or designs are preferred.
How to donate: Drop off at Wild Child Boutique in Opelousas at 129 W. Landry
Have questions? Contact Shawana at 337-308-6754
Coats for Kids at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church
Details: The Sacred Heart of Jesus Knights of Columbus purchased brand new coats for kids in need this winter. If you know a family with children in need of winter coats you can contact the rectory during business hours for details.
 Getty Images Pro via Canva |
Food Drives in Acadia-St. Landry
Second Harvest Food Drive
Details: Non-perishable food items
How to donate: Drop off locations can be found at the following places:
Church Point - At the Point Church Foyer from 11/28-12/12
St. Landry-Evangeline United Way Annual Food Drive
Details: Bring in any unexpired goods or non-perishable food items on December 7 at Super 1 Foods in Opelousas. Gift cards and monetary donations are also accepted.
Other Causes and Ways to Give Back
The Rotary Club of Opelousas is hosting a Shoppe D'Noel event to deliver Christmas gifts to nursing home residents. Donations are being accepted now up until December 3rd. Click on the link for more details.
3 Peas In a Pod Cajun Restaurant and Sweet Shoppe is also hosting a gift donation drive for nursing home residents. Items such as large-print reading materials or word puzzles, slippers, throw blankets, hygiene items, snacks, etc. are great gifts for the elderly. Donations are being accepted until December 3.
CASA of St. Landry-Evangeline is in need of volunteers. Contact their office for more information on how you and your family can volunteer your time to support the foster children in our community.
Know of a toy, clothing, or food drive we missed or a volunteer opportunity in your town we left out? Let us know by sending an email to mackidacadia@macaronikid.com and we'll add it to our list!
