On December 12, 2023, seniors gathered at the East Feliciana Council on Aging’s Jackson site to celebrate the Christmas season while recognizing the pressing needs of their community. Approximately 85 attendees shared festive cheer and expressed gratitude for the support available to those less fortunate within the parish.
The event was marked by joyful activities and a spirit of goodwill. Dressed in vibrant holiday apparel, including Christmas sweaters, attendees enjoyed a midmorning celebration complete with entertainment from D.J. Desselles and his wife, Cathy. A visit from Santa added to the festive atmosphere, as he interacted with seniors, danced, and posed for photographs. Activities included a guessing game, door prizes, and a regular art fundraising raffle. The celebration concluded with a communal lunch featuring donated ham and turkey, preceded by a blessing from Willie Coleman, who recounted the story of Jesus’ birth.
Community Leaders Show Support
The event also welcomed notable guests, including Sharon Creques, Outreach Representative for Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, and local elected officials such as East Feliciana Parish Sheriff Jeff Travis, District Attorney Sam D’Quilla, and state Representative Roy Daryl Adams. These officials participated in the festivities and contributed numerous door prizes. David Guillory, a member of the Jackson Board of Trustees, along with several members of the East Feliciana Parish Council on Aging (EFPCOA) Board, were also present to support the event.
In her opening remarks, Cyndi McManus, Executive Director of the COA, highlighted the importance of community generosity. She informed attendees about a letter sent out on December 1, which reached local businesses and churches. The letter detailed the urgent need for assistance, stating, “Right now, 41 of our parish seniors are on a waiting list for home-delivered meals because we simply do not have the funds to add them to our weekly Meals on Wheels route.”
The letter emphasized that while the COA currently delivers nutritious frozen meals weekly to 65 homebound seniors, rising operational costs and a growing senior population necessitate increased community support. McManus articulated the vital services provided by the organization and appealed for donations, asserting, “Your gift, no matter the size, makes an immediate difference in the lives of our parish’s most vulnerable seniors.”
Impact of Donations and Future Needs
McManus shared an emotional update regarding the response to the appeal. Since sending out the letter, she reported receiving several donations, including food items for the Christmas event. She expressed her gratitude for the community’s support and emphasized the ongoing need for assistance as the organization faces budget constraints.
For those interested in learning more about the COA’s services or activities, McManus invited them to call (225) 683-9862. Additionally, individuals wishing to make a tax-deductible donation can send contributions to the East Feliciana Council on Aging at P.O. Box 986, Clinton, LA 70722. The need for community support remains critical, especially as the organization continues to serve an increasing number of seniors in need.
