Seventy-three years later, Meredith Wilson’s song, “It’s Beginning to Look at Lot Like Christmas,” is very popular in Natchitoches as Natchitoches’ newest Mardi Gras krewe, Krewe of The Nine (9) launched its 2024 Christmas Toy Drive on Nov. 18. Joining the krewe, community partners for the year’s community at-large endeavor includes: Emanuel Temple Masonic Lodge # 141, Natchitoches Leadership Through Athletics Committee (NLTAC), Ben D. Johnson Educational Center and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Theta Delta chapter; NSU).

 

The drive for Natchitoches Parish children will accept toys for boys and girls ages 0-10. All toys will stay in Natchitoches Parish as the combined groups will work with the Natchitoches Area Jaycees and L.P. Vaughn Elementary School. Bicycles were donated by the Krewe of 9 to the school. One for a male student and one for a female student. The school’s administration will decide how the bicycles will be distributed to deserving students.

 

One can donate to the drive Tuesday to Sunday, 7:30 am to 3 pm at Legacy Cafe,’ 441 North Street until 10 am on Dec. 14. For more information, call: 318-332-8254 or 318-663-1093.

 

Pictured: Dr. CarDarrius Murphy and daughter, Betty Sawyer-Smith, Sylvester “Sly” Moss, Ruby J. Braxton, Carissa Davis, Sam Chism, Robert Murphy, Jimmy Murphy, Eugene Wheeler, Jalen Sturgis, Carlton Johnson, II, Ronnie Bennett, Michael Wilson and Shirley Bennett.