How Rosa’s Angels Brightens Holidays for Acadiana Families

(99.9 KTDY) - It's no joke that this economy is putting strain on everyone's budgets. With the holiday here, many people are trying to figure out how to get presents under the tree for their children. Rosa's Angels is working to support Acadiana families through community efforts.

What Is Rosa's Angels?

Each year, with the community's support, small-business owner Robin McMillan makes sure 800 kids receive Christmas gifts. There are children from all across Acadiana who are in need this year, and Santa always relies on McMillan to coordinate with Santa to bring joy to kids.

Why Is It Called Rosa's Angels?

Robin is honoring her mother, Rosa, by helping to make Christmas brighter for children who otherwise wouldn't be able to enjoy something under the tree. Robin's mother also liked to give back to the community, so coordinating this project is a way to honor her memory.

Imagine a Child Without a Christmas Gift — Rosa’s Angels Is Changing That!

Robin is a Christmas elf who helps Santa gather gifts for children in Acadiana who would otherwise not receive one this year. You will be humbled by the requests that these children have.

Most children ask for simple things like a remote control car, a coat, a doll, or Barbie clothes for their Barbie doll.

Other elves in the community (you and me) can adopt a child, shop for them, wrap the gift, and deliver it to Robin to make sure Christmas is brighter for a deserving child this year.

You can even drop off items here at this radio station.

Can I Donate a Present/Money?

Yes, you can donate any item, whether it's toys, something a teenager might like, or even a donation. Robin's volunteers then use donations to shop for children on the 800-person list.

Who Receives Help?

The following is a list of just some of the groups that Rosa's Angels helps:

• CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for foster children
• ARCH (Acadiana Regional Coalition on Homelessness and Housing)
• SMILE (Smile Community Action Agency)
• Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana
• Public requests

Can You Help?

If you would like to help, it's not a complex process. There are hundreds of children on Robin's list again this year. You can adopt a child or drop off some toys.

If you want to adopt a child, you can contact Robin at 337-781-7069. She will give you the name of however many children you would like to help. You shop for the items, label them with the information she gives you, and then drop them off.

The following are the locations where you can drop off your items:

• The radio station is at 1749 Bertrand Drive.
• Fisher Early Childhood Development Center at 230 Ridge Road.
• Fisher Early Childhood Development Center at 204 East Farrel Road.
• Tipsy Cajun at 1600 Ridge Road in Duson.
• McMillan's Pub at 2905 East Simcoe.

We have helped her for several years now, and when I tell you she and her fellow elves work around the clock to make this happen, that is not an exaggeration. There is coordinating, shopping, wrapping, and some delivering. It's amazing what this group of folks does for these kids.

Here's a message from Robin:

How Do I Join In and What Do I Do?

A Message from Robin: