On December 12, 2023, seniors gathered at the East Feliciana Council on Aging (COA) in Jackson, Louisiana, for a festive celebration that blended holiday cheer with a call for community support. Approximately 85 attendees participated in the event, where they expressed gratitude while also recognizing the ongoing needs of vulnerable seniors in the parish.
Executive Director Cyndi McManus addressed the gathering, emphasizing the financial challenges faced by many seniors this year. She noted the generosity of recent donations, which have been essential in supporting the COA’s mission. The festive atmosphere included members dressed in holiday attire, with a special appearance by Santa Claus who entertained guests with dancing and photo opportunities.
The celebration featured a variety of activities, including a guessing game, door prizes, and a fundraising raffle for art pieces. Music was provided by D.J. Desselles and his wife, Cathy, while attendees enjoyed a meal consisting of donated ham and turkey. Before the meal commenced, Willie Coleman of Clinton offered a blessing, recounting the story of Jesus’ birth to set a reflective tone for the gathering.
Several notable guests joined the festivities, including Sharon Creques, Outreach Representative for Attorney General Liz Murrill, as well as local elected officials such 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. Their presence not only added to the celebration but also included contributions of door prizes for attendees.
Amid the merriment, McManus highlighted a pressing issue for the COA. She shared a letter dated December 1, which was sent to local businesses and community members, seeking support for seniors in need. “As the new year quickly approaches, the COA is once again reaching out to our generous community to support our seniors,” she read aloud. The letter revealed that 41 seniors are currently on a waiting list for home-delivered meals due to insufficient funding to expand the Meals on Wheels program. Simultaneously, the COA delivers frozen, nutritious meals weekly to 65 homebound seniors.
In her announcement, McManus detailed the annual costs associated with providing meals and outlined various vital services offered by the COA. She concluded by underscoring the importance of community contributions: “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.”
Despite recent funding cuts, McManus expressed her gratitude for the donations received since the letter’s distribution, including contributions for the Christmas party. She encouraged anyone interested in supporting the COA to reach out for more information about services or activities by calling (225) 683-9862. Those wishing to make a tax-deductible donation can send contributions to the East Feliciana Council on Aging at P.O. Box 986, Clinton, LA 70722.
Through this event, the East Feliciana Council on Aging not only celebrated the holiday spirit but also highlighted the essential need for community support to continue providing vital services to seniors in the parish.
