The Cynthia A. Guillory Foundation (CAG) teamed up with native Port Arthurans to pay off 77 layaways at Walmart and provide Christmas for deserving families.

Published 9:51 am Thursday, January 18, 2018

Acts 20:35 in the King Hames Version reads: “I have shewed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, it is more blessed to give than receive.”
Likewise, CAGs 6th Annual Toy Drive committee partnered with other organizations and small businesses in Port Arthur and Houston for the “Collaboration of the Century” to give.
Khaliah Guillory, Founder of CAG, said, “We reached out to friends who were born and raised in Port Arthur; who have love for Port Arthur to collaborate and payoff a large number of layaways, in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Antanique Landry, Fit Chix; Chris Senegal, Lenox Home Buyers; and Fred Vernon, KLV Ventures played a major and critical role in the fundraising efforts. Tiffany Hamilton with FRONTLINERS, served as correspondent and Historian. Hamilton said the collaboration played Santa and pulled off for the most successful toy drive in CAG history.
“Mr. Jaime, Manager of layaway department on Twin City, and his team executed flawlessly. Our fundraising efforts allowed us to raise $5,600 that resulted in paying off 77 layaways for deserving families. It was an experience we will forever be grateful for. So much so we have agreed to incorporate a Layaway Drive initiative, annually.” Guillory said.
Some of the layaways were for Walmart employees who received their items while they were working. “Some broke down in tears from gratitude. I can’t articulate their reaction,” Hamilton said.
“Many said they thought they would have to let their layaways go because they had to make a car payment or buy groceries instead. We eliminated the ‘or’ with ‘and’ so they could provide gifts for their families.” Guillory said.
CAG along with Antanique Landry, Chris Senegal, Fred Vernon by collaborating with Houstonians and providing box trucks, trailers & 18-wheelers filled with supplies to support Port Arthur Harvey relief efforts.
Guillory said her mother, Cynthia A. Guillory, was the most giving person she knew. The Guillory Family Giving Tree tradition started in the early 1990s when Cynthia encouraged her daughters (Rondo and Khaliah) to pick an ornament off the Christmas tree in the mall and buy a gift for a family in need during the holidays.
Cynthia was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, Khaliah’s senior year at the University of Central Florida. Cynthia lost the fight against ALS in 2002. Guillory founded The Cynthia A. Guillory Foundation to honor her mother’s legacy through the gift of giving and spread ALS awareness.
Woogie’s Warriors (Cynthia’s nickname was Woogie) walk team was formed to raise funds every year by participating in the “Walk to Defeat ALS” sponsored by the ALS Association in Houston, TX. CAG is partnering with FRONTLINERS to establish a walk in the Golden Triangle to raise funds to find a cure for ALS.
All organizations and businesses hope the spirit of Christmas and giving will continue in the community throughout the year.
A special thanks to:
Walmart layaway department staff
Khaliah Guillory, Cynthia A. Guillory Foundation
Camille Guillory, Cynthia A. Guillory Foundation
Antanique Landry, Fit Chix
Chris Senegal, Lennox Home Buyers
Fred Vernon Jr., KLV Ventures
Tiffany Hamilton, FRONTLINERS

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