The Girls and Boys Town of Louisiana offered local at-risk youth a chance to celebrate a dream Christmas. On Dec. 10, the Faubourg Marigny Improvement Association joined Girls and Boys Town for the “Christmas in Washington Square” celebration. Many of the children, survivors of abuse and neglect, were able to participate in traditional Christmas activities, including caroling, tree-decorating and of course, enjoying holiday sweets, including those from the Marigny Brasserie, which donated pastries and coffee to warm everyone’s spirits.
The park was adorned with Christmas ornaments that children from Girls and Boys Town crafted, Brightway Signs contributed a lovely, glowing star, and Gordon’s of Metairie donated the lights that were strung on the tree.
Traditionally, residents of the neighborhood enjoy caroling, an activity many of the children had never experienced. After practicing for two weeks, the children led the caroling with their favorite song, “Silent Night.” As Germaine Mitchell, the development director of Girls and Boys Town, recalls, residents of the Marigny poured out of their homes to hear the lovely singing, many unaware that the community program existed steps from their own houses.
The money raised at the event allows Girls and Boys Town to continue its
mission of providing youth with a safe, caring environment.
Fr. Steven Boes, Girls and Boys Town executive director Dennis W. Dillon and Jerry Davis
Keith Dillon, Rashain Carriere, Jonathan Winfrey and Orlando Petrie
Germaine Mitchell, Mary Farnell, Mark E. Morice and Colleen Hurst
