Operation Merry Christmas and Knights of Columbus Toy and Food Program

(L-R): Peggy Murla-Operation Merry Christmas, Robby Showalter-Knights of Columbus, Tim Doody-Operation Merry Christmas, Cisco Gonzales – Knights of Columbus, Ronnie Lehrmann – Operation Merry Christmas, Judy Hoffmeister-Operation Merry Christmas.

Members of Operation Merry Christmas presented a check to the Knights of Columbus Council #5747 for $7,500.00 to support the annual toy and food give-away program. The two organizations joined forces to continue the tradition of a parish wide distribution that was started by Operation Merry Christmas in 1985 and the Knights of Columbus has continued the tradition after Hurricane Katrina.

The  annual Christmas gift give-away will be held Sunday, December 18 at 11:00am at the Sigur Civic Center Grand Ballroom, 8245 W. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette.  All St. Bernard Children from newborns to Age 12 are invited to attend and pick out a toy.

A food distribution will be made at 9am on December 18. Any family in need should contact their church to secure a voucher to obtain a turkey and food basket.

 Chairman Cisco Gonzales stated, “It’s that Christmas Season that ignites the Knights of Columbus #5747 to gear up rapidly for this year’s Christmas Gift give-away known as A Knight’s Gift.  With the support of Operation Merry Christmas, this year’s event will be bigger than ever.”

 He further commented that his members stated, “We’re lit up and ready to put a smile on all children’s faces regardless of economic stymies. We expect a large crowd due to the slow economy.” Children can pick out their own toy.

Operation Merry Christmas Founding Member, Chris Roussel stated, “OMC is pleased that the Knights of Columbus Organization is continuing to fulfill our mission that was initiated in 1985; caring for those families in need, especially during the Holiday Season.”

A Knight’s Gift – a give-away of toys and dolls – is sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council #5747 Chalmette with proceeds from the group’s Louisiana Crawfish Festival along
with the Operation Merry Christmas Organization. The distribution in the Grand Ballroom will include gifts for newborns to children age 12.

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