Sw Louisiana News

City of Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter, United Way of Southwest Louisiana President and CEO Denise Durel, and Marine Toys for Tots Foundation Vice President of Operations David Cooper have announced a renewed partnership aimed at helping more children in need in the community.

David Cooper, representing the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is excited to join with the great City of Lake Charles to continue helping children in need here in your community. For 76 years, Toys for Tots’ goal is to bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to our Nation’s greatest resource – our children. The partnership with the City of Lake Charles will increase our volunteers’ resources in Calcasieu Parish so that we can assist a lot more children!”

Mayor Nic Hunter also shared his enthusiasm, saying, “What an exciting day for our community! We are thrilled to partner with the United Way of Southwest Louisiana and Toys for Tots. This partnership means expanded capacity for helping as many families as possible experience a very Merry Christmas.”

Denise Durel, President and CEO of United Way of Southwest Louisiana, highlighted the significance of the partnership in supporting families in need, stating, “Our partnership with the City of Lake Charles to support Toys for Tots will be incredibly meaningful to area families with children, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet. Providing toys and gifts to these families brings joy to the children and helps alleviate some of the financial burdens their parents may be facing during the holiday season. It's powerful to help others in our community and make a positive difference in their lives."

The partnership involves the United Way of Southwest Louisiana providing volunteer support for the community toy drive and gearing up to assist with the fundraising and registration process later in the year. Additional opportunities for toy donations will be available throughout the year, including a Partners in Parks Christmas in July event.

Residents and businesses interested in making a financial contribution to the local Southwest Louisiana Campaign can do so by visiting or texting “T4T” to 91999. Funds raised will be used to purchase additional toys for the distribution date in December, with the toy distribution event set to take place at the Lake Charles Event Center. Volunteers are needed to assist with this event, and more information on how to sign up to volunteer will be available closer to the event date.

For more information on the local campaign and how to get involved, interested individuals can call (337) 764-6841, email, or visit the relevant websites provided.