The 3rd Annual Holiday Care Package Drive

UNRIVALED POSITIVE IMPACT FEATURE 

OF THE WEEK

TONYA BOLDEN-BALL

FOUNDER OF RENEWED PERSPECTIVES, LLC

Tonya Bolden-Ball is a strong, caring, and compassionate woman when it comes to paying it forward. She has tapped into her resources and support system to help make the holiday season a little better for the less fortunate by organizing her annual holiday care package drive.

Read her full interview below.

Q: Mrs. Tonya Bolden-Ball! Tell us about your upcoming Holiday Care Package Drive, and what initially motivated you to organize something of this nature?

A: The 2014 Community Care 3rd Annual Holiday Care Package Drive is scheduled for December 14th, 3 pm - 5pm at the Northgate Mall parking(corner of Castille and Moss st). In the event of inclement weather, the event will take place in the Transcom Building. My initial motivation for the event came when I realized that every year during the holiday season there are numerous community drives that focus on collecting either toys or food. Years ago, I ran a homeless shelter for women and children. As many of the shelter residents became self-sufficient and transition into the community, many of them would not have enough funds to purchase items they would need beside food. I have been blessed to have such a great support system and I just feel the need to pay it forward and bless others. I have a great group of volunteers from both Northside High School and University of Louisiana at Lafayette who also have a desire to help others.

 Q: What is the ultimate goal that you hope to achieve with this event?

A: The ultimate goal is to spread some holiday cheer to the families and individuals of my Lafayette community. I want those who receive the care packages to understand that we in the Lafayette community do care about them. No one is exempt from dealing with hard times and no one should have to deal with hard times alone.

 Q: Will the items collected go towards a specific group, or to all families in need that you are able to serve?

A: This event is done primarily with the individuals and families of the Lafayette community in mind. Income levels do not determine who receives a care package....just a need and availability of care packages. Some of the care packages will be given to the Lafayette Fire Department to assist those who have lost their belongings to a fire.

Q: This is an annual event in Lafayette, LA, do you plan to organize similar events in other cities? 

A: My current focus is serving my Lafayette community. If there is a need in other communities for such a project as this one, I would be glad to offer assistance with organizing one.

Q: Where can those who want to keep up with your movement and other future events go to stay updated?    

A: My facebook page at Renewed Perspectives LLC or www.renewedperspectivesllc.com. For more information, I can be reached at holidaycarepackage@gmail.com or 337-255-5151.