Yes, Evangeline, the proud Cajun spirit is alive and well here in the heart of Acadiana any time of the year, especially at Christmas.

The Cajun spirit exists as certainly as the love and generosity and devotion exists in this community. It is evident among Cajuns, certainly, and prevalent among the many, many good people who live here, regardless of race, religion or creed.

What I’m saying is it’s infectious. Believe me, an adopted Cajun. People genuinely care for each other through good times and bad times.

How dreary this Teche Area would be without the Cajun spirit. It shines like an eternal light at this time in local programs like The Daily Iberian’s Help the Helpers, which brings out the best in our residents every year. 

As of today, Help the Helpers has raised $15,720 for 10 area nonprofit organizations. Donations will be accepted through this week, which means the total could rival that of 2016, when $17,613 was donated to Help the Helpers.

The money is going to Chez Hope; CASA; Iberia Homeless Shelter; Disch-DeClouet Social Service Center; Angel Paws Adoption Center; Progressive Education Program Inc.; Shepherd’s Food Pantry; St. Francis Diner; Solomon House and St. Nicholas Social Concern. We should all thank God that those services are available in and around New Iberia.

Leading the way again among the donors this holiday season is a generous donation of $5,000 from the perpetually anonymous Ben. E. Factor Foundation. There are three separate $1,000 donations listed among the contributors to Help the Helpers.

It doesn’t matter if it’s $1, $25, $50, $100, or any other amount, it all adds up to helping others who are in need in this community. Unfortunately, there are many. 

The names of donors and the amount given can be seen each day in The Daily Iberian in the Honor Roll. Seeing that Honor Roll grow daily is proof of the Cajun spirit. The response is just as fantastic for the many other programs in this community throughout the year that come to the aid of the less fortunate.

On the days leading up to Christmas, it’s easy to see proof in the Cajun spirit.

Evangeline, a folk heroine and first validation of the Cajun culture, would be oh-so proud.

P.S. My apologies to Alison J. Stein, who wrote, “The Story of Evangeline’s Empty Grave: A Louisiana Tale,” and to Francis Pharcellus Church, who wrote “Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus” in the Sept. 21, 1897, edition of the New York Sun. It is a beautiful response to a letter to the editor from 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon. It is one of my favorite reads.

I hope everyone has a blessed and very Merry Christmas.

DON SHOOPMAN

SENIOR NEWS EDITOR