Local St. Jude toy drive big success for Christmas

The St. Jude Baton Rouge Affiliate Clinic was in awe with excitement on December 22, when Tammy Comeaux, Kelley Vincent and Elise Mencassi drove up with a trailer loaded with toys from their first ever toy drive on behalf of the children of St Jude.
The toy drive was a team effort between Comeaux and Vincent, along with the Bank of Erath, Tri-Delta Sorority, Erath High, Erath Middle and Dozier Elementary in honor of Elise who is currently a patient at the hospital.
Elise was diagnosed with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (HCL) at age 3 and has just completed her second year of chemotherapy.
The true Christmas spirit was indeed alive as they made continuous trips to and from the trailer unloading the various surprises.
Morgan, one of the staff members, stated, “This will bring a smile to our patients when nothing else can! God Bless each and everyone of you!”
The St Jude Affiliate Clinic claimed this was by far the largest single toy drive they have ever seen.
What made this event even more special was the outpouring of generosity from the neighboring community of Delcambre. Many families, as well as students of Delcambre Elementary, had also collected toys for St. Jude and decided to join in the cause. Two great communities collaborated for such a great cause and the end result left many speechless and with warm hearts.
Since the event was so successful this year, Tammy and Kelley have decided to make this an annual event.
It is probable that Elise will have her hand in the next event, too, knowing just how well it makes other children feel being on the receiving end.
The entire group would like to thank everyone who donated toys or a monetary offering on behalf of Elise.
There were lots of tears that day. Tears of joy in knowing that children fighting a terrible disease are never forgotten. A special thanks to everyone who made the toy drive so successful, but most of all, a special thanks from the children of St Jude’s, said Comeaux.
“The nurses, doctors and staff claim that without the support and generosity of people from all over the world, events like this would never be possible nor as successful as this one,” Comeaux said.