Acadian Ambulance Paramedic Field Supervisor Annie Dillard set out to make the holidays better for families in Evangeline Parish.
The Mamou resident has more than 15 years of EMS experience and has been with Acadian Ambulance for one year. She decided to organize a donation drive during the holiday season in order to give back to those in need in her community.
Dillard worked with local businesses in Ville Platte and Mamou to place donation bins between late November and mid-December. Those businesses included Lyons Market, Jett Express, Mamou and Ville Platte City Halls, The Mou Latte’, Investar Bank, Champagne’s, T&J Ford, Evangeline Bank, JD Bank, and Teets Food Store.
Dubbed “Operation Warm Hearts”, the drive collected donations of food, toys, hygiene items, blankets, coats, baby diapers and formula and heaters. Ville Platte Mayor Ryan Williams and Mamou Mayor Leisa Deshotel also helped with collecting donations in their respective towns. Dillard worked with Evangeline Parish Community Action, CASA, and Toys for Tots to distribute the items.
Through Evangeline Parish Community Action and its director, Carleen Bellard, more than 115 families received valuable necessities. Donated toys were distributed to CASA of St. Landry-Evangeline for children in foster care with support from its community outreach coordinator, Alisha Arvie, and to Toys for Tots with support from its coordinator, Paul Ganucheau.
“I couldn’t have done it without so many people who stepped up and helped guide me,” Dillard said. “It’s impressive to see Evangeline Parish come together – from the businesses who placed donation bins to parish residents who stepped up to donate.”
Central Louisiana Operations Manager Christian Dennis said, “Acadian is grateful to be able to give back to our communities, especially during the holiday season. In addition to her role as a paramedic field supervisor, Annie put in a lot of dedication and additional hours to organize this drive.”
