By Paige Gurgainers

In a group effort by the Minden Civitans and the Young Women’s Service Club (YWSC), they continued their yearly tradition – providing Christmas presents for the less fortunate of the parish.  

According to Civitans member Roger Grubbs, they were able to raise enough funds and donations to supply 300 children with gifts this year.  

But these two groups are not the only ones making this happen – aside from the public’s giving spirit, after the toys were separated and bagged by age and gender on Monday evening, the torch was passed along to the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, City of Minden Police Department (MPD) and the Minden Fire Department.  

“If there is ever a time of the year that I enjoy the most – it’s Christmas,” said MPD Chief Jared McIver. “For a child, it’s a magical time. There are moments in life when we do kind acts or give to others that gives a feeling that nothing else can replace. Watching a child’s amazement, innocence and smiles when they receive gifts, is one of those rewarding moments.” 

Members of these groups are fully aware of the positive effect this could have on not only the child receiving the gifts being given, but the entire family, as well. 

McIver continued, “Both the officers and firefighters get to make a life-long memory and possibly an impact that could alter that child’s life in the future. Putting a smile on a child’s face when delivering gifts and the excitement that follows is a feeling that I wish we could provide every day.”