NEW IBERIA, La. (KLFY) -- The Garon Paul Atkinson Lewis Foundation is giving back this holiday season by donating Christmas gifts to families in need during their 'Yuletide on the Westside" event.
Raymond "Shoe Do" Lewis, the father of Garon Lewis, created the foundation to honor his late son. 17-year-old Garon was shot and killed in 2019 in New Iberia.
Tyra McWhorter, a member of the GPAL foundation, says the foundation wants to spread love among the community as everyone heads into the Christmas season.
"Every year we try to make it bigger and better for them," McWhorter said. "This gives them a chance to come out for one day and just have a good day, no violence, no issues, just a fun day."
During this event, parents and children got to enjoy hot chocolate, arts and crafts, a snow machine, and it ended with gifts being given to all of the children. Edda Brown says it was a blessing for her and her son, Moses Eabair, to share this moment with others.
"It's good to see people come out and do stuff for the community," Brown said. "It's hard for some parents and some parents have to just enjoy themselves with our children, it's a blessing to be here."
Crystal Williams, a vendor at the event, says she created a picture book to honor Garon Lewis and highlight others who have lost their lives to gun violence in New Iberia, dating back to 2001. She says she hopes to honor their memories and also raise awareness for the families affected.
"I do it for the families, just to let them know that somebody else is thinking, about the violence that's going on and what happened with their family members," Williams said.
Raymond Lewis says this event will save lives and help create meaningful change in New Iberia.
"We're saving children, and we're making the difference in those communities, so we actually give back in a two-fold sense," Lewis said.
