Cajun Santas accepting Christmas gift nominations through Oct. 31

Cajun Santas accepting Christmas gift nominations through Oct. 31

Cajun Santas is accepting nominations for its 2026 Christmas gift program, offering families and community members an opportunity to nominate children in need of assistance during the holiday season.

The program provides Christmas gifts to selected children who are 13 years old or younger as of Dec. 25, and reside in Avoyelles Parish.

Anyone can nominate a child, including individuals who are not related to the child. A separate application must be submitted for each child, and only one nomination per child is permitted.

2026 Cajun Santas Child Nomination
Here’s how it works: ** One gift will be provided for each child selected. Please select the one gift from your child's age group that you see that best fits them. • Anyone can nominate a child in need. • You do not have to be related to the child. • The child must be 13 years or younger by December 25, 2026. • The child MUST reside in Avoyelles Parish, LA • The nominator must agree to a phone interview as we move through the application process. • Submission deadline is October 31, 2026 and the families chosen will be contacted at a later date. In previous years, we contacted every family that submitted an application. However, due to the high volume of requests the past few years, we will not be able to do so. Therefore, please ensure you clearly communicate your reasons for requesting assistance with Christmas gifts. If you do not receive an original phone call by December 11, 2026, please understand that your child has not been selected. Second phone calls to let you know that your child will be receiving a Christmas gift will be done not later than December 18, 2026. If you do not receive a second phone call then it should be understood that your child was not selected. *****Applications after the deadline will not be accepted • The information you provide to us about the child is completely confidential. • Not every child will be chosen. We are looking to help those in most need! • By submitting this nomination, you are acknowledging that you agree to these terms and conditions. . Be sure to have all required information below ready before filling out application **Nominating a child more than once does not give them a better chance of being selected. Please do not nominate your child more than once. **We will make three attempts to reach you on three separate dates. If we are unable to reach you during those attempts, the application will no longer be in consideration. *****Complete a separate form for each child, NO EXCEPTIONS! *****Please note that with the overwhelming amount of applications we have received the past couple of years that we can not guarantee we can help your child even if we have helped in the past years.

Organizers emphasize that the program is intended to help families with the greatest need. Due to the high number of requests received in recent years, not every nominated child will be selected, even if the family received assistance in previous years.

Each child selected will receive one gift from the available options for their age group.

Those submitting nominations are encouraged to clearly explain why the child needs assistance. All information provided about the child will remain confidential.

Nominators must also agree to participate in a telephone interview during the selection process. Organizers will make up to three attempts to reach applicants on separate dates.

Families selected for further consideration will receive an initial phone call by Dec. 11. A second call confirming that a child will receive a gift will be made no later than Dec. 18.

Families who do not receive the required calls should understand that their child was not selected.

The nomination deadline is Saturday, Oct. 31. Late applications will not be accepted.

To submit a nomination, visit cajunsantas.org. For more information, call 318-359-1046.

The 8th Annual Cajun Santas 5K Run / 1 Mile Walk
November 21, 2026 On-site registration will begin at 6:45 and race begin at 8 AM. Starting/Ending at the Hessmer Gym! Pre-registration Info/Deadline: November 5, 2025 (guarantees race day shirt) Late registration will be available through race morning. It is $25 dollars to participate. AWARDS & AFTER PARTY: Top 3 male and female finishers in the 5K division will receive prizes in both a kids and adult category. Come early and enjoy music and pre-race activities starting at 7 am at the race site and be sure to stay after for door prizes and awards presentation !