Community Christmas Gumbo
SUNSET, LA - Our Founder and Executive Director, John Williams, developed Community Christmas Gumbo 10 years ago in his hometown of Sunset with the desire to show others the importance of always remembering where you came from.
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Every year, we serve a delicious cup of Gumbo while our good friend Santa gives the good boys and girls of Sunset a brand new toy. This year, we'll also be bringing our Blue Monday Allstars to help supply those Blue Monday Vibes.
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We're asking for your help so that we can make sure we have the biggest impact possible. We're accepting both monetary donations and toy donations. Toys can be donated to our office 1400 NW Evangeline Thwy, Lafayette, LA 70501. You can also join us the day of the event at 214 E Martin Luther King Dr, Sunset LA.
A Message From Our Executive Director
Love of People non-profit hosted its inaugural Community Christmas Gumbo 10 years ago with the goal of creating a non-judgmental community event that offered Christmas Spirit and opportunities. At our first event, I realized that people who lived in underserved communities lacked the mechanism to connect to various job opportunities and support structures. With the help of private business owners, Love of People has maintained its annual event and continues to maintain its community connection. Our event is held each year in the heart of Sunset LA on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Various volunteers from The 705, Celtic Bayou Festival, Green House, RISE Physical Therapy, Under Pressure, and Quality of Life Services come together to offer children free gumbo, free pictures with Santa and free Christmas gifts.
My favorite part of Community Christmas Gumbo is watching the volunteers from various organizations authentically connect to the people in the community. Witnessing parents from the community joining the efforts of our volunteers and serving together is the true representation of Christmas Spirt. As our organization prepares to celebrate our 10 year Anniversary, we are excited to announce that this year will be our biggest event ever. Channel Partners Matt Zaumbrecher and Allen Green have taken charge to ensure our event continues.
Love of People hosts community events with the purpose of creating the opportunity for local companies to connect to the communities they serve while promoting different services their respective companies offer. You can join our team by sponsoring, donating and/or providing volunteers. If you plan to attend our event, come with an open mind and desire to connect.
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- John Williams, Executive Director for Love of People
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