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Evangeline Maid and Christian Service Center teams up to serve families in Acadiana

Posted at 6:31 PM, Nov 25, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-25 19:31:30-05

Flowers Baking Co. of Lafayette, home of Evangeline Maid and other fresh bakery foods, has partnered with the St. Mary Magdalene Christian Service Center (SMMCSC) to raise funds to serve the needs of local families this holiday season.

“Our original goal was to support 100 families this holiday season with the comfort of food and other essential items,” explained Farley Painter, the bakery’s general manager. “We thought the number 100 was a fitting tie-in, since we’re celebrating 100 years of baking in Acadiana this year with a sponsorship of Downtown Alive! and a new bakery mural by local artist Dirk Guidry.”

So far, the company says that the contributions by the bakery’s employees have surpassed that goal, providing enough donations to serve more than 130 families. The funds will be used to fill baskets for families identified by the SMMCSC containing items to help them have a happy holiday.

“We’re very proud of our partnership with Evangeline Maid and the remarkable results they’ve been able to generate,” commented Marcello Davis, director of operations for the Christian Service Center. “The need in our community is great and we urge anyone in need at any time to reach out for assistance.”

The Christian Service Center is a non-profit organization within the St. Mary Magdalene Church in Abbeville, Louisiana, which aids families in Vermillion Parish who are in crisis situations, providing an array of services including:

  • The Women’s Service Center, a resource for new mothers and families – including diapers and wipes;
  • Pick-up and donation of used furniture and appliances;
  • Crisis assistance with eviction and utility shut-offs;
  • A café serving meals every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 11-12;
  • A community pantry for food, toiletries and cleaning supplies open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am – 2 pm;
  • A community garden and lessons on healthy cooking and eating; and
  • Empowerment resources for parenting skills, literacy and math skills, computer skills.

Davis noted that the Christian Service Center is especially in need of toiletry items and accepts frozen meat and fresh produce. Anyone with questions about how to help, or those in the community in need of assistance, may contact the Center at 337-893-9756, follow it on Facebook, or visit https://stmarymagdalenparish.org/csc [stmarymagdalenparish.org].

The Center also is seeking donations for the Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on November 27. The community is encouraged to drop off side dishes on the morning of the event.