Remembering our ‘forgotten angels’

16th December 2013   ·   0 Comments

By Kelly Parker
Contributing Writer

Shoppers around the country plan to spend an average of $801 on gifts this holiday season, according to an American Research Group Inc. survey; which perhaps makes it easy to overlook the fact that that there are many who cannot afford to provide any Christmas gifts for their loved ones.

For 15 years, Clarence Adams has made sure area needy children are not forgotten during the holidays. The Ozanam Inn administrator routinely serves homeless individuals, but for one day in December, his focus is spreading Christmas cheer to some of the city’s homeless children and their families.

This year’s Forgotten Angels Christmas party takes place December 21 at the International Longshoremen’s Association building, 601 Louisiana Avenue, from noon to 3 p.m.

The (ILA) is not only are providing the venue, but will collect toys and monetary donations when they hold their holiday event; a week prior to this year’s event.

“I can’t even imagine being a kid on Christmas with nothing to look forward to, except for having dinner with hundreds of people you don’t even know,” Adams states. “Our kids are kids really in need. These are kids that would have nothing if not for this event.”

Adams is expecting between 250 and 300 children to attend; likely matching the number of guests that came out for last year’s celebration.

Transportation is provided for families from area shelters and transitional housing to the event, where a holiday meal and treats will be served; thanks to local restaurants and hotels. Kids will get gift bags, with toys and clothing, and be entertained by holiday music, clowns, characters and magicians; and of course, no Christmas gathering would be complete without Santa Claus!

Adams’ annual Forgotten Angels Christmas event has become a local tradition; as more children and families are invited to the celebration, more helpers have signed on to take part. The Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, the Get Checked or Check Out! non-profit, and the 377th Theater Sustainment Command of the Army Reserve have are just some of the groups that have sponsored and or/ volunteered at events over the years.

Once again, the Ritz-Carlton and area Marriott hotels are serving as toy and donation drop off sites.

“The Federal Court has participated every year; we’ve received so much support from groups and companies in the area,” Adams said.

For the second year, Adams will team with Saints receiver Lance Moore’s Community Cares Foundation, and 37 area Walgreens have also signed on as partners.

There will likely be a video greeting from Moore to the kids during the event as well.

“We have people from all walks of life involved- The community has just embraced this,” Adams told the Louisiana Weekly. “It’s so wonderful; every year I have to turn down volunteers.”

When Tiffany Hicks read about the event three years ago, she knew she wanted to be part of it. “She was so excited she called and left a message for me at 6:30 in the morning.” Adams says. “She’s now with us from the beginning to the end, she’s like my adopted daughter. “

Hicks could definitely relate to the cause; she lost her mother at the age of five, and was homeless as a youth.

“My son (Elijah) is 7, and he comes and helps,” Hicks said. “He knows it’s very important to give back.”

This year, a scholarship fund has been established for homeless graduating seniors.

“I remember the homeless liaison from the School Board contacted me about a young lady that was graduating from high school; she had a scholarship, but still needed money to help with the things the scholarship didn’t provide for. “ Adams said.

“These kids have been through so much, and they’re still making it,” he added. “If we can give something to make it a little bit easier for them, I think it would really be nice. We’ll give as much as our funding will allow.”

Unwrapped gifts of new toys and new clothes for all ages can be brought to Ozanam Inn, at 843 Camp St. or dropped off at any of the hotel drop-off sites.

“(Along with toys and clothing) we’re in need of gift cards, cash donations that can help purchase whatever we may be short of, or donations toward the scholarship fund.” Adams said. “We’re also looking for more restaurants to get involved also.”

Those interested in donating to the Forgotten Angels event, or for more information on donation drop off locations, contact Clarence Adams at 504-523-1184.

This article originally published in the December 16, 2013 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.