LAPLACE — In an effort to share the holiday spirit of giving this season, Parish President Natalie Robottom, her administrative staff and St. John the Baptist Parish employees teamed up to assemble holiday food baskets for families in need.

“This year, we doubled the number of baskets assembled and hope to continue making the giveaway bigger and better,” Robottom said. “As servants of the community, we are pleased to know that our efforts brought joy to more than 40 families and we wish them all a very joyous Christmas and Holiday Season.”

The baskets, filled with non-perishable food items and holiday fixings, were distributed to needy families Dec. 21, just in time for Christmas preparations.

Robottom, with a contribution from Assessor-Elect Lucien Gauff, also donated turkeys and hams to the families.

Overall, more than 40 baskets were distributed, with each Parish department participating. There was also a donation of 21 baskets from the Office of Fire Services. The families receiving food donations were identified through the Department of Health and Human Services.