LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- Roughly 8,000 gifts were given out Saturday at the George Bowles Jr. Activity Center as a part of the Salvation Army's annual Angel Tree Program. Gifts consisted of toys, clothes, bikes and baby essentials.
Hundreds of cars were lined up outside of the center to receive these gifts.
Capt. Tavia Williams, of the Salvation Army in Lafayette, said it's a special day, as it shows how the spirit of giving back can have lasting effects on others beyond the holiday season.
"It gives me renewed energy after a long season of putting all of this together, it shows me that our community really cares about one another, and it shows the spirit of giving that we have and how we just take care of one another," Williams said.
Evangeline Leblanc, a volunteer, said she is grateful to be working alongside the organization and said volunteering is all about being a good Samaritan to people, without expecting a reward in return.
"It makes me really happy because I know I'm helping other people, in the end, I'm not expecting a reward or anything, which is nice to do," Leblanc said.
Leblanc said she hopes this act of kindness will create an environment where all families can experience joy through the holiday season.
"They probably knew that they would get something, but it's nice because they don't have to pay for it and they need help and everyone is willing to help them," Leblanc said.
Volunteers at the Salvation Army said they are excited to continue giving back and look forward to what next year has to bring.
