by Jeanni Ritchie
It was an early Christmas last month as the United Way hosted a giant party at Play Cenla. Sixty Cenla families who qualified through United Way’s ALICE (Assets Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) program were invited for an evening of food and free play.
Kids climbed on the rock wall, sailed down the zipline, played basketball, created crafts, and challenged each other in air hockey. There were arcade games and a toddler area, as well as visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. A fire engine was on site for touring and some mighty loud siren pulling! RPSO officers walked around swiping game cards for free play- car racing was a popular attraction!
At the end of the three-hour event, each child received a brand new bike donated by Waste Connections. United Way gave each child a basket of clothes along with a brand-new bike helmet. Parents, who’d known about the gifts for the kids, received a surprise of their own at the end of the evening: a $200 utility credit!
Play Cenla hosts many community events throughout the year, their dedication to making lives better for Central Louisiana residents on full display. They also host birthday parties, field trips, and welcome families for free play! Visit them at 1008 Bayou Place, Alexandria and check them out at www.playcenla.com.
Since 1982, United Way of Central Louisiana has been supporting residents of Rapides and surrounding parishes through their education, health, financial stability, basic needs, and the aforementioned A.L.I.C.E. programs. They currently service Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, Vernon, and Winn parishes.
Their vision is to create a community in which all neighbors are linked to each other and to the resources they need to prosper and thrive. They are committed to honoring, embracing, and harnessing the power of diversity of all Central Louisiana residents to create a stronger community for all.
To support United Way’s vision and check out upcoming events, visit uwcl.org.
I’m most looking forward to the rescheduled Dining in the Dark, where you enjoy a meal in complete darkness. Sounds positively fun…as long as they don’t try to sneak Brussels sprouts on my plate!
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Alexandria, LA. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.
