UPDATE - 12/11: WOW.  So far we have raised $1255 in less than two weeks, over double our original goal of $500.  Thank you so much to everyone who has donated--no matter how big or small, every bit counts.  Please keep spreading the word, and consider giving to a program that gives so much to the children of southeastern Louisiana.  Just because we have reached our original goal does not mean the fundraising drive is over.  All the money will go towards Indian Santa and will help ensure a solid financial foundation for the program for years to come.  

Read on for more information about Indian Santa:

In 2011, we followed Thomas Dardar, chief of the United Houma Nation, as he donned a headdress and became Indian Santa, visiting thousands of children across Southeastern Louisiana.  For many of these kids, Indian Santa delivered the only toy they received that Christmas.  The great thing of the program is that it is for ALL children in the area not just children from the Houma Indian tribe.

This year, Indian Santa plans to visit more communities than ever before, continuing a tradition dating back to 1985, when Joe Dardard started the program in the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Juan.  With the economic effects of the BP oil spill and the multiple hurricanes of the past few years, the program is needed now more than ever.

Indian Santa is made possible every year through the Toy for Tots program, donations from the community, and the time and money of Thomas Dardar, his wife Noreen, and their family and friends.  Over two weekends, they drive hundreds of miles spreading holiday cheer, from Houma to St. Bernard, all the way down to Isle de Jean Charles, sometimes spending as many as fourteen hours a day on the road.  All of this comes directly out of their own pockets.  We've set a modest goal to help with their trip this year.  We'd love to exceed that goal, but whatever you can do will be more than helpful.

Merry Christmas and enjoy the movie--on us!