The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office Annual Christmas Crusades program is underway for the 2017 holiday season.

“This year’s program, now in its 20th year, has provided thousands of children in our community with toys for Christmas,” said Sheriff Jeff Wiley.

The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office has been committed and dedicated to helping disadvantaged children, from newborns to 12 years of age. In 2016, the APSO Christmas Crusades program was able to purchase toys for over 369 families and well over 816 children.

The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office is now accepting donations of toys, and/or monetary donations to help make this Christmas an enjoyable one for families.

We will have various toy collection sites within the community over the next few weeks, and on December 5, at 6:30 p.m. we invite the community to help participate in shopping night for toys for qualifying families at the Gonzales Wal-Mart.

“Our annual Christmas Crusades program has become such a part of the fabric of the Sheriff’s Office, and our community,” said Sheriff Wiley, noting that agency members and community partners alike always look forward to this time of year. “I am indeed thankful for the many community partners who have come together to support our Ascension Parish community through such a worthwhile endeavor.”

Ascension Parish residents needing assistance can now apply for this year’s program. Applications may be obtained from the Sheriff’s Offices at the Donaldsonville Courthouse, the Gonzales Business Office or the Family Services Division at the Gonzales Courthouse.

Applicants will need to bring current supplemental nutrition assistance program printout or copies of each child’s birth certificate, a valid Louisiana State photo ID, proof of income, and a copy of a current Ascension Parish utility bill (showing proof of residency). The deadline for submitting applications are Friday, November 10, 2017. Those accepted into the program will be notified by letter.

NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS DATE.

For additional information, to volunteer or request assistance, feel free to contact

Deputy Janet Fontenot at 225-621-8318 or Deputy Jodie Delaune at 225-621-8374.