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November 25, 2009

Talking turkey: Families make sure those in need have a festive Thanksgiving



By Darragh Doiron

The News staff writer

Vicky Sims’ family was near the head of the free turkey line Tuesday, and was already making plans to prepare a feast for family, neighbors and those who didn’t have another place to dine.

Her son, Jykeal Shields, 11, said giving to people who have nothing is what makes Thanksgiving special to him, and his auntie, Tabitha Sims, said “appreciation” was her feeling of the day.

The family was in a long line awaiting 200 bags of love from The Babineaux Family Foundation and the Jamaal Charles Family, who teamed up with H-E-B to make the baskets.

Family members distributed the gifts at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Barbara Babineaux is mother to Lincoln High students who went on to football fame: Jonathan Babineaux of the Atlanta Falcons and Jordon Babineaux of the Seattle Seahawks. She said they were contemporaries of Charles, who attended Memorial High and went on to play for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Tariq Turner, 17, helped the families gather the food and even did some grocery shopping for the stuffing. He said he guessed some of his classmates were sleeping on their Tuesday off from school, but he was happy to be helping others.

Kevin Charles, said that when he and his football-playing brother, Jamaal, enjoyed Thanksgiving as children, they always wanted to help others.

“Thanksgiving means to me a true giving spirit,” he said.

Charles helps young people at the Port Arthur YMCA and Memorial High School develop their basketball skills… ”and more,” he said.

“I enjoy giving to them. I go a little further to show my love and let them know someone is always behind them, and to always think positive,” he said.

For information on foundation projects, contact Jean or Barbara Babineaux at 718-7886 or 960-1912.

“Volunteers are always welcome,” Babineaux said.

ddoiron@panews.com

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