Want to donate or volunteer, but not sure how? Get ideas here how to help Rapides groups

Melissa Gregory, Alexandria Town Talk
Updated ·2 min read
In this 2014 file photo, The 4x4 Misfits Jeep Club of Cenla and the All Jacked Up Jeepers of Lafayette collected toys and other items and delivered them to the Hope House.
In this 2014 file photo, The 4x4 Misfits Jeep Club of Cenla and the All Jacked Up Jeepers of Lafayette collected toys and other items and delivered them to the Hope House.

The holiday season is known for increased charitable giving. What do charities around Rapides Parish need from you?

Here's a list of some local groups and what they're seeking to help their clients.

  • Manna House Ministries provides a Thanksgiving meal for the hungry, as well as meals all year long. The nonprofit soup kitchen asks for monetary donations, which are tax deductible. People can donate at https://givetomannahouse.com/cost-giving.

  • Hope House of Central Louisiana Inc., which provides services to homeless families, has started its Adopt a Family project. People can adopt a family battling homelessness. Contact Jeff Matthews at (318) 487-2061 to learn how you can help.

  • Like Hope House, the Family Justice Center of Central Louisiana is seeking people to adopt families or individuals this season. The center helps survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault, including children, adults and elderly. Anyone interested in helping should call (318) 448-0884.

  • The Children's Advocacy Network is holding a holiday toy drive throughout its multi-parish service area. The drive lasts through Dec. 5. People can drop off new toys at any of its locations — 1751 Jackson St. in Alexandria, 2805C East Oak St. in Jena, 457 Second St. in Colfax, 631 North Main St. in Marksville and 104 S. Jones St. in Winnfield.

  • The Salvation Army in Alexandria is manning its Red Kettle Campaign again, but it also feeds the hungry daily and provides gifts to children through its Angel Tree. Find out how you can help by visiting https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/ala-lou-mis/alexandria.

  • True Vine Missionary Baptist Church is having a clothing giveaway Dec. 2, so it's accepting "gently used clothing" between 10 a.m. to noon and 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 29 at 831 Broadway Ave. in Alexandria.

  • The Central Louisiana Homeless Coalition is seeking people who want to help its mission. People can scan a QR code on its Facebook page to make a monetary donation or can contact them to learn more about what they do or to volunteer to help. If interested, call (318) 443-0500.

  • The Rotary Club of Alexandria has its annual Doll & Toy, which provides toys to children at Christmas. People can make a donation in memory of or in honor of someone, and all donations will be acknowledged in Cenla Focus. Checks can be sent to Alexandria Rotary Doll & Toy Fund, P.O. Box 12306, Alexandria, LA 71315, or you can scan a QR code on the club's Facebook page to make online donations.

This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Looking to donate or volunteer in Rapides? Here are some ideas for you