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CAN Delivers Christmas Toys to Katrina Kids

In an effort to help thousands of young children who lost their homes during hurricane Katrina, the Christian Action Network delivered a tractor-trailer load of toys to the St. Bernard Parish of New Orleans on December 14, 2005.

Called “Toys for Kids of Katrina,” CAN collected the new and used toys from Central Virginia families, businesses and churches.

“We also purchased over $2,000 in toys, most of them for young boys because we were receiving so many gifts for young girls.” said CAN President, Martin Mawyer. “I wasn’t too surprised by the imbalance of gifts. Boys tend to play hard and destroy their toys while girls both care and nurture them.”

The gifts were placed on the shelves of an abandoned Wal-Mart store in the St. Bernard Parish where parents could simply pick and choose the toys they wanted.

“These families were living in tents, at the time,” said Mr. Mawyer. “And many of them still are.”

“For many, it was easy to forget these families once the news coverage died down. And that, unfortunately, is only natural,” said Mr. Mawyer. “But I know our toys meant a lot to these parents and their children. Many of them would have gone without any presents this past Christmas season without the help of our supporters and the families, businesses and churches of Central Virginia.”

“They truly performed heroically during this incredible time of need,” Mr. Mawyer said.

CAN spokesman, Jason Campbell, gives an interview to ABC and explains Christian Action Network's "Toys for Kids of Katrina" program.

The tractor-trailer in the background was provided by Harris Trucking Company which delivered the toys to the St. Bernard Parish of New Orleans.