LAPLACE — Keeping up with the Christmas tradition, the non-profit organization Blessed to be a Blessing teamed up with the St. John the Baptist Parish Council to bring smiles to the faces of 15 “worthy” children.

Before the Council meeting Tuesday night, representatives from Blessed to be a Blessing and Council members gave bikes to 15 local children.

District 3 Councilman Lennix Madere said the two entities have teamed up for at least six years to put the evening together.

According to Madere, the whole Council looks forward to the night.

“The children were tremendously excited,” he said. “One kid jumped on the bike before they gave it to him. They were really excited.”

Madere said he, and his fellow council member Marvin Perrilloux, were not involved in the selection of the children but were happy to help hand out the bikes.

“I’m sure the children that were selected were really worthy of receiving the bikes,” he said. “They weren’t just given to any kid, they were given to the ones that really need it. That’s the whole purpose of (Blessed to be a Blessing.)”

According to Madere, ever since he was small he believed Christmas was the best time of year.

“I always say that it’s very sad when someone is not happy during Christmas,” he said. “Christmas is the time of year when there should be a lot of joy and love spread out. I think it’s sad to see any kid that doesn’t receive at least one gift for Christmas.”

Madere is a huge advocate for Blessed to be Blessing and the work it does.

“It’s really grown and touched a lot of kids,” he said. “They seem to have gathered a lot of recognition. To me, I get great joy helping those who may not be as fortune as myself, and joining up with Blessed to be a Blessing is a blessing for me. It allows me to see the joy and happiness this organization brings to a lot of kids.”

Madere said he hopes to double or even triple the number of bikes given away next Christmas to bring more smiles to worthy children.