LAPLACE — The third annual Warren and Leona S. Coleman Christmas Memorial program has been announced by Betty Coleman, in honor of her late parents.

Coleman, who funds the program, is designed this year in two phases.

Phase One aims to provide school supplies and other gifts to any River Parishes public school student who has a parent or sibling serving in the military overseas.

Phase Two aims to provide school supplies to St. John the Baptist Parish public school students who are in need of them in the second semester, especially for those students not likely to receive Christmas gifts.

The Coleman Christmas Memorial was established by Coleman following the death of her father in 2003. Her mother died in 1963.

&#8220I created the project as means of honoring their spirit of giving,” she said. &#8220Although we came from humble beginnings, they always stood ready to help a neighbor who had less – an adult who needed the ingredients for a meal, someone who needed a garment made or a child who needed assistance with her homework because her parents were unable to read or write.”

Coleman added, &#8220So in the spirit of the Christmas season, I honor them by doing what they taught me by example. It gives me a sense of pride in remembering their work, and it brings me some measure of comfort as well.”

Application forms are available at the schools, and gifts will be delivered to the schools starting on Dec. 19.

For more information, call (985) 652-1799.