UPTOWN • DOWNTOWN • MID-CITY • LAKEVIEW • GENTILLY • N.O. EAST • ST. BERNARD
CRESCENT CITY from Our Family to Yours!
www.robertfreshmarket.com N O L A.C O M
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T h u r s d ay, N ov e m b e r 27, 2025
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‘I wish we could do more’
Lionel Parker, of St. Jude Community Center, accepts donated frozen turkeys from Mylo Brennan, 7, and Jacques Laboureur, 12, of Camp SoulGrow.
Delivering donated turkeys teaches Camp SoulGrow kids about giving
BY RACHEL MIPRO Contributing writer
A small nonprofit is trying to instill a sense of community in New Orleans kids, and a recent distribution of Thanksgiving turkeys was part of the plan. London Rosiere, founder of Camp SoulGrow, spearheaded the Nov. 15 campaign to pass out 100 turkeys to community organiza-
tions around the city. The giveaway came in the wake of the federal government shutdown, which left food stamp benefits in an uncertain state for weeks and strained the resources of families in need. “We’re offering 100 turkeys, and we have the New Orleans East Hospital and Greater St. Stephen Baptist Church begging for more,” Rosiere said. “ … I wish we could
do more.” The nine-year tradition of food gifts to area community centers began so kids could experience “the gift of giving,” and to inspire more community awareness. The birds were donated by Robert Fresh Market. Rosiere started Camp SoulGrow in 2014 in New York. She returned
STAFF PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
ä See TURKEYS, page 2G
Making spirits bright
Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy student Alexander Berthold, RIGHT, puts a bow on top of the school’s Christmas tree as students, FAR RIGHT, view the decorated Christmas trees that were being prepared for Celebration in the Oaks.
Holiday events kick off with dashes of sparkle and light If the turkey has been carved, it’s time to turn your sights to the next holiday season. Here are some highlights of the Yule events coming up in the next several weeks, along with a few big events that should be on your calendar.
RECURRING EVENTS
STAFF PHOTOS BY BRETT DUKE
Kehoe-France School student Hannah Yim and classmates decorate a Christmas tree for Celebration in the Oaks.
LIGHT BRIGADE
Students from a number of local schools and members of community groups gathered at New Orleans City Park recently to decorate their trees in time for Celebration in the Oaks, the park’s largest annual fundraiser, which starts Friday. The sponsored trees are displayed near the entrance of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.
All stores open 7am - 2pm Thanksgiving Day.
St. Martin’s Episcopal School teacher Katie LaForge takes a photo of her students after they finished decorating their tree.
CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS: Tickets are on sale for City Park’s largest fundraiser, running Nov. 28 to Jan. 1, 2026. The two-mile driving tour starts at 4 Friederichs Ave. in New Orleans. The walking tour starts at 7 Victory Ave. and features unlimited Amusement Park rides as well as access to the Botanical Garden. Tickets start at $7. celebrationintheoaks.com KENNER’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS VILLAGE: The free holiday experience, located at Heritage Park in Rivertown, 2015 Fourth St. in Kenner, will run Nov. 30-Dec. 31, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Activities include lights, snow, music, food, arts and crafts, live entertainment and a special appearance from Santa Claus. www. kenner.la.us CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK: The light exhibit kicks off Dec. 1 with a ceremony at 5:30. Open Dec. 1-30 in Lafreniere Park, located closest to the West Napoleon Avenue entrance, at 3000 Downs Blvd. in Metairie. Event hours are 5:30-9 p.m. weeknights and 5:30-10 p.m. on weekends. With 40 new displays with more than 10 million LED lights, driving and walking tours are available.$20 per vehicle in advance; $25 at the gate. www. LafrenierePark.org
UPCOMING
ALGIERS HOLIDAY BONFIRE & CONCERT: The holiday celebration will be Dec. 6, 4:30-8 p.m., at the Algiers Batture, 200 Morgan St. in New Orleans. Festivities include live entertainment, local food and crafts, and the only holiday bonfire in New Orleans. Free. Reservations accepted via Eventbrite. www.algierseconomic. com/calendar/2025-algiers-bonfire/ ä See HOLIDAY, page 2G