Cajun Santas is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in October 2019 that provides Christmas gifts for children of struggling families in Avoyelles Parish. Funds are raised by sponsorships, donations, and fundraising events throughout the year. Our key fundraising event is our Christmas Lights 5K held annually the night before Thanksgiving. The children served by Cajun Santas are selected through a nomination process that opens to the public every fall. Our team reviews nominations to ensure we are providing assistance to children that need us the most. Our fundraising through the year allows us to have a gift distribution event close to Christmas. Based on information provided through the nomination process, gifts are personalized for each child. Though our activity is providing gifts for children, we recognize that Christmas is not about material items but about the joy in “giving as he did.”