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Spread the joy this Christmas

© Westley Annis

It is only five more days until Christmas and I'd like to take this time to wish every one a happy and joyous holiday.

It is during this season that most people donate time and/or money to help the needy and less fortunate. If you haven't already decided where you would like to contribute, I would like to make some recommendations.

For a local charity you can consider Bridge House. Founded in 1957 by a group of recovering alcoholics who wanted to provide a way to help others recover, Bridge House has grown to provide support for those who cannot find it any place else.

Located in the shadow of the Crescent City Connection, at 1160 Camp Street, Bridge House now serves as not only an in-patient treatment center for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts, but it also feeds and clothes the homeless.

Every Christmas, Bridge House serves almost 2,000 meals to the homeless providing not only a meal but also clothing and toys for the children.

In July, Bridge House repeats the effort with their annual Christmas in July event.

To donate time, money, or other items you can call them at 504-522-2124 or visit their web site at http://www.bridgehouse.org .

For an organization that has a little more of a national mission, join the United States Marine Corps and contribute a toy or money to the Toys for Tots Foundation.

Founded in Los Angeles in 1947, the Toys for Tots Foundation helps provide toys for children.

In 1998 Marines collected and distributed over 11,200,000 toys to over 4,800,000 needy children throughout all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa. The extraordinary efforts of the 314 local Toys for Tots coordinators, along with the support of Americans nationwide and corporate America, made 1998 the most successful campaign in the history of the program. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation provided 6,800,000 of the 11,200,000 toys distributed by the Marines.

You can visit the Toys for Tots web site at http://www.toysfortots.org

Have a safe and Merry Christmas!

Westley Annis

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