By Robin Shannon

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Those who have not yet seen the extravagant lighting display on the lawn of Gold Eagle Security in LaPlace are encouraged to come by this weekend as Santa Claus will be coming to town to take pictures with children.

The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office Young Marines are sponsoring Santa’s trip down from the North Pole for a visit Saturday evening. Pictures will begin at 6 p.m., when the lights come on, and continue until 8:30 p.m. Gold Eagle is located at 1956 Carrollwood Drive.

As part of this event Saturday, the Young Marines, Gold Eagle and L’Observateur will continue to accept donations from the community for residents of the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home for our second annual holiday drive.

Like last year, we are seeking all manner of art supplies, from paints and brushes to canvas and paper, but this year the scope has been expanded to include bathrobes, towels, slippers and blankets. We will also be collecting money to help buy DVD players for the home to upgrade their entertainment options as the home currently only has VHS players.

Additionally, we will be raffling off a tailgate package from Raising Cane’s just in time for bowl season. Donations will be accepted from now until Dec. 16 and can be dropped off at the Sheriff’s Office, Gold Eagle’s office, or at the newspaper, located at 116 Newspaper Drive just off Main St. in LaPlace.

We know there are many opportunities for giving back during the holidays, but what better way to say “thank you” to the men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom than by making sure their holidays are a little brighter.

For more information, call L’Observateur at 985-652-9545 or stop by our office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.