Seniors from the East Feliciana Parish gathered to celebrate the holiday season while acknowledging the ongoing needs of their community during an event hosted by the East Feliciana Council on Aging on December 12, 2023. Approximately 85 attendees enjoyed a festive gathering at the Jackson site, where they expressed their gratitude and goodwill, emphasizing the importance of community support for seniors facing challenges.
The midmorning event featured a variety of merrymaking activities, with many participants donning bright holiday attire, including red clothing and Christmas sweaters. Santa Claus made a special appearance, engaging with seniors through dance and photo opportunities, while D.J. Desselles, known as the “man in black,” provided lively music alongside his wife, Cathy. The celebration also included games, door prizes, and a traditional art fundraising raffle, culminating in a communal lunch featuring donated ham and turkey.
During the gathering, Cyndi McManus, Executive Director of the Council on Aging, addressed the attendees, highlighting the financial difficulties many seniors face this year. She noted the significance of recent donations and the urgent need for assistance among the parish’s elderly population. McManus shared details from a letter sent on December 1 to local businesses and community members, which outlined the pressing needs of seniors in the area.
According to McManus, “Right now, 41 of our parish seniors are on a waiting list for home-delivered meals because we simply do not have the funds to add them to our weekly Meals on Wheels route.” She emphasized that the organization currently delivers frozen, nutritious meals weekly to 65 homebound seniors, showcasing the critical role these services play in the lives of vulnerable community members.
The letter further detailed the costs associated with providing meals and the various essential services offered by the Council on Aging. It concluded with a call for support, stating, “With our senior population growing and operating costs rising, we cannot do this important work without you. Your gift, no matter the size, makes an immediate difference in the lives of our parish’s most vulnerable seniors.”
Several local officials attended the event, including Sharon Creques, Outreach Representative for Attorney General Liz Murrill, as well as East Feliciana Parish Sheriff Jeff Travis, District Attorney Sam D’Quilla, state Representative Roy Daryl Adams, and East Feliciana Parish School Board Member Jermi Adams. They joined in the festivities and contributed to the event by providing door prizes, reinforcing the sense of community support.
Despite recent funding cuts, McManus reported some positive news regarding donations that had come in since the letter was distributed. She expressed her gratitude for the contributions, which included food items for the Christmas gathering. For those interested in supporting the Council on Aging, McManus encouraged individuals to reach out for more information about services or activities by calling (225) 683-9862. Donations can be sent to the East Feliciana Council on Aging at P.O. Box 986, Clinton, LA 70722.
The event not only provided a moment of joy and celebration for the seniors but also served as a reminder of the ongoing needs within the community and the importance of collective efforts to support those who are most in need.
