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Sierra Kondos

Special to the News

 

Over 100 people gathered for fellowship, food and singing Christmas carols at the 10th annual Christmas with the Constable toy drive Thursday.

The event was held at the Texas Artists Museum located at 3501 Cultural Center Drive in Port Arthur. Guests were asked to bring two toys, one for a boy and one for a girl.

“The gifts are then donated to the Salvation Army,” Christoper Bates, Port Arthur Precinct 2 of Jefferson County Constable, said. “Which then will be given to those who signed up for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree drive.”

Ten years ago, Bates was inspired by the local toy drives to create an event that incorporated a fellowship that embodied the spirit of Christmas.

 “I wanted to showcase a family feel with this event,” he said. “I also wanted to highlight young people their talents and singing to provide entertainment. Community is family and that’s why I’m so glad that it has continued these ten years. I wanted to give back because you can always do more, and there’s always someone who’s going to need some help. This year, 10 year-old Levy Barnes III, kicked off the caroling with his solo, “I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus,” followed by a second soloist, Kalan Gardner, Jr. at Woodrow Wilson Early College High School, who sang, “Oh, Holy Night.” Constable Bates sang, “This Christmas,” and then was joined by his mother, Shirley Roy, and they concluded the caroling with, “Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child.”

The caroling was followed by food and fellowship as guests filled the tables on both sides of the museum.

 “We served gumbo and deserts,” Bates said. “Everything turned out well, we all had a good time, and by the end of the event there was a wall of gifts to bring to the Salvation Army. Everyone coming together, volunteers, organizations, and of course, my supportive family, it was the quintessential Christmas event. We are already looking forward to next year’s event.”

For more information to donate to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Drive call 409-363-9823.