Monroe, LA-The holidays are a busy time of year at the Ampy Community Center.  The centers’ annual holiday events have revitalized the entire community.  These events at the Ampy Center bring together residents, volunteers, community leaders, churches, businesses, and neighbors.

Senior Thanksgiving Dinner

On November 18th the Ampy Community Center celebrated their annual Senior Thanksgiving Dinner.  The event was opened to all seniors of the community, which extends to the Wilshire, Parkview and Trishell neighborhoods. Angelica G. Manabal, the Ampy Center Director stated, “The event would not be possible if it were not for the cooking contributions of Katherine Barnes, Carolyn Dugan, Leslie Amos, Rosie Lee Williams and Gwendolyn Robinson, all residents of Kingsway Apartments, and donations from Kajuana Jones, Shirley Whittley, and Sister Rose Briggs, and decorations provided by Patricia Moss.” An opening prayer was provided by Reverend Ruth Collins-Brown, Pastor of St. Jude Baptist Church in Monroe, LA. The community seniors enjoyed a bounty of food, laughter and a visit from the Honorable Mayor Jamie Mayo who took time out of his busy schedule to celebrate with the community seniors. Other local contributors to the Senior Thanksgiving Dinner included: Nick Van, General Manager, Red Lobster Restaurant; John Norem, General Manager, Longhorn Steakhouse; Doug Woods, Owner, Catfish Charlie’s; Tim Hurt, Store Director, West Monroe Super One; and Jason Audirsch, Store Director, Brookshire’s.

Christmas Pageant

On December 17th the Ampy Community Center celebrated their 3rd Annual Christmas Pageant. This year’s theme was “The True Meaning of Christmas”. Dr. A.B. Davis-Johnson, Pastor of Rose of Sharon, Missionary Baptist Church, provided the opening prayer.  Pastor Paul Ford, Director of Ministries, House of Prayer International was the Master of Ceremonies.  The community children lead by Carolyn Dugan sang Christmas carols and the Honorable Mayor Jamie Mayo stopped by to share in the festivities of the day.  Refreshments for the event were provided by Raising Cane and West Monroe Super One. “I am very proud of the children, volunteers and partners who helped make the day a success” stated Angelica G. Manabal.

Annual Toy Distribution

On December 19th the Ampy Community Center conducted their 3rd Annual Toy Distribution. This year the center partnered with Target, Best Buy, K-9 Entertainment and House of Prayer International to distribute over 200 gifts to the residents of Kingsway Apartments and the surrounding community. The Ampy Community Center almost doubled the amount of gifts they were able to distribute from the first toy distribution in 2009. Angelica G. Manabal,  said: “Our goal is to gather enough gifts for the residents of Kingsway Apartment, but this year we were blessed and were able to provide to the community as well.” Within the 4 years that Angelica has been working at the Ampy Community Center she has seen a lot of change, most of all comradely amongst the residents and community as more and more people want to be a part of the center. Angelica believes that Community + Partnership = Results (CPR).

For more information about Neighborhood Networks centers in Louisana contact:

Linda V. Jarrell
Shreveport Multifamily Program Center
401 Edwards Street, Room 1510
Shreveport, LA 71101-5513

For more information about the Ampy Community Center, contact:

Angelica G. Manabal
Ampy Center Director
4205 Elm Street
Monroe, LA 71203
(318)410-9505