Mandeville's toy program continuing

By Chad Ruiz
St. Tammany News
Published on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 11:06 AM CST

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Bells will be ringing in Mandeville this year.

The Holiday Gifting Program, which distributes toys to less fortunate children, will take place Dec. 13 at the Lion’s Club on 720 Lafitte St., where families can go to receive a free gift.

The annual event is being produced by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Greater Mandeville Police Foundation, which took over the Citizen Service Fund after the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office found problems with the charity earlier this year.

The CSF was mainly known for the gift-giving event it held every Christmas, where they would collect donated toys from giving residents and then distribute them to needy families.

The CSF was dismantled soon after the auditor’s report was released.

A board of directors was formed, and the Greater Mandeville Police Foundation quickly took over.

Board President Shelby LaSalle Jr. said the new foundation consists of a six-member board, including Vice President Patricia Brister, Secretary/Treasurer Dennis Pasentine, Joycelyn Nash, Ron Goux and Larry Rase.

LaSalle said about $70,000 of leftover CSF funds were recently deposited into the foundation’s bank account, which will provide the organization ample enough money to continue the gift giving this year.

Mandeville’s Krewe of Eve and Mandeville Elementary will also be taking up their own collections for the gift-giving event.

LaSalle said needy families with children can register at the Mandeville Police Department if they want to participate in the gifting program.

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