Magnolias and Mistletoe to benefit local families

ELTON - With Christmas on its way, the town here is doing its part to promote small businesses while also working to raise money for a worthy cause.

The Magnolias and Mistletoe Shopping Event will be held from 3-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, and will be open again from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. at the Keagan Center, located at 211 Pine St.

Magnolias and Mistletoe is the main fundraiser for the Keagan Center that provides funds for the nonprofit organization’s annual Christmas drive. The project adopts several local families to provide gifts for children. It also collects money needed to sponsor meals for the elderly in the community.

“We provide meat and all the trimmings for a nice meal,” said coordinator Kim Thibodeaux. “It’s a blessing for the families but it’s even more of a blessing for us to be able to help those in need.”

The Keagan Center provides an indoor location for vendors and small businesses to display handmade items.

Spaces are still available for the event. The cost of a 10x10 space is $25, which includes one table and chairs plus access to electricity.

Admission for shoppers to get into the center will be $2 per person.

Some of the items that will be available to purchase include homemade soap, jams and jellies, crafts, sweets, jewelry, monogrammed items and handbags with wallets.

Jambalaya dinners will be sold for $5 and burgers will cost $3. All proceeds will go toward funding the Christmas project.

Funds collected from admission, vendor fees and the food and drink sells will all go back to the community by assisting those in need for Christmas.

“This is the biggest fundraiser we do throughout the year,” said Thibodeaux. “We appreciate all of the support we get from everyone who is willing to participate.”

Anyone who would like to donate to the project can contact Thibodeaux at (337) 658-8688. More information can also be found on the Keagan Center Facebook.