Photo By Sgt. Beyonka Joseph | Louisiana Army National Guard Soldier Staff Sgt. Walter J. Pertuit of St. Rose, La., a...... read more read more
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By Sgt. Beyonka D. Joseph
Louisiana Army National Guard
NEW ORLEANS – During the season when most people are Christmas shopping or enjoying time with family and friends, members of the Louisiana Army National Guard took time to spread cheer to local children in need as "Santa's little helpers."
In an effort to lift Christmas spirits, Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery Regiment in New Orleans sponsored a Christmas toy giveaway for patients at Children's Hospital in New Orleans, Dec. 23.
"It is so wonderful to have the National Guard and other groups come during the holidays to visit the kids here at Children's Hospital," said hospital development coordinator Lindsey T. Belsome. "We appreciate everyone who is willing to give their time to visit our kids."
"The kids would rather be home during these times but can't, and for them to see people who care helps them feel better about themselves and their lives," the Destrehan, La., resident stressed.
The 1/141st has sponsored the giveaway since 2006 in an effort to give back to the community at Christmas. It is their way of bringing cheer to kids who spend a lot of their time in and out of the hospital receiving treatment for various illnesses.
"The giveaways are very emotional and the reality of the children's conditions really sets in when you witness every aspect of their sickness," said Staff Sgt. Flemming T. Ragas of Alexandria, La., 1/141st readiness non-commissioned officer. "It gives me great satisfaction to make these kids smile."
The sound of laughter echoed through the hallways as the Soldiers of the 1/141st knocked on each door to present the hospital-bound children with special gifts: Mr. Bingles Christmas Bears.
"It is so sweet that the National Guard is able to make these kids smile," said Lorraine Landry, mother of 16-year-old Robert, a patient at Children's Hospital. "I have the highest respect for all of you," added the Thibodeaux, La., native.
The Soldiers collected more than 150 of the stuffed bears, which were donated by an anonymous source, for the annual giveaway. The bear originated as the mascot of Maison Blanche Department Store and was later marketed by Dillard's. The toy still remains part of the pop-culture of the Greater New Orleans area.
"My daughter is very grateful for what the Soldiers are doing," said Debbie O. Buquoi, mother of 16-year-old patient Jenna. "She loves stuffed animals and this will add to her collection of many others," laughed the Madisonville, La., native.
The staff members, who devote much of their time to caring for the ailing children, know how important it is to have volunteers during these tough times.
"We try to make it a fun atmosphere for the kids by doing different things with them daily, but having outside assistance really helps us accomplish that," added Belsome. "It is amazing what it does to boost their morale."
The Soldiers' gifts also helped lift the burden that the parents carry during this normally happy time of the year.
"It not only helps to spread cheer to the patients, but to the parents as well," said Staci K. Arceneaux of New Orleans, the hospital's assistant director of development. "It is nice to have the Guard bring Christmas to kids who are unable to experience the holidays outside of the hospital."
For Sgt. 1st Class Errol M. Williams of New Orleans, the opportunity to brighten the holiday for those in need is something to remember. "Because it is the holidays and a lot of the kids are less fortunate than my own, it makes me feel good just to see them happy."
For more information on Children's Hospital of New Orleans, go to www.chnola.org.
| Date Taken: | 12.23.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 12.30.2008 16:32 |
| Story ID: | 28298 |
| Location: | NEW ORLEANS, LA, US |
| Web Views: | 304 |
| Downloads: | 237 |
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