(Baton Rouge, La.)— Cancer Services recently hosted its annual ‘Cocoa & Donuts with Santa’ event on Saturday, Dec. 17 for children in the Baton Rouge area who have been directly affected by the disease, as well as their families.
The annual holiday party, sponsored by Performance Contractors, served approximately 100 children, along with their siblings. The kids and their families spent the afternoon decorating cookies, making crafts and taking photos with Santa. Along with hot cocoa and doughnuts, more than 160 gifts (including 25 gift cards donations) and 200 handmade stockings were given to both the children affected by cancer and their siblings. Nearly 70 sets of pajamas were also donated from various community groups. This was done in order to help provide a sense of normalcy and balance for the children. All gifts and activities were provided at no cost to the families thanks to the generosity of the community.
“The holidays should be a special time for all children, regardless of a cancer diagnosis,” said Jamie Collins, children
and family program coordinator, Cancer Services. “That is why it is always a special experience to give kids and their entire family a chance to enjoy timeless holiday traditions during what can be a stressful time.”
Cancer Services’ office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and new clients are always welcome to visit the center at 550 Lobdell Avenue in Baton Rouge. An appointment can be made by calling (225) 927-2273. Visit cancerservices.org for more information.
About Cancer Services
Since 1959, Cancer Services has been improving life for those living with cancer by providing critical support to help families and individuals of all ages through the difficulties presented by a cancer diagnosis. Our goal is to provide therapeutic, free-of-charge support through counseling, support groups, exercise programs, adult and children’s programming as well as assistance in the form of nutritional supplements, emergency grants, wigs, medical equipment loans and more. In these ways and many more, we strive to serve the emotional, financial and physical needs of individuals and families living with, through and beyond cancer. Learn more at cancerservices.org.
