On Saturday, August 3, 2024, the City of Lake Charles’ Partners in Parks Initiative is teaming up with Marine Corps Toys for Tots to present a Jr Marine Boot Camp and Christmas in August Toy Collection Drive, from 9 – 11 am at the Cpl. Donald Ray Stevens Community Center located at Goosport Park (1619 Cessford St.).

This free, open-to-the-public event aims to be tons of fun, while finding out if local youth have what it takes to be a United States Marine! The US Marine Recruiters Office – New Orleans will be on site with an obstacle course and marine drills led by both the local and New Orleans Marine Recruiting Offices.  

Representatives from Marine Corp Toys for Tots will be on hand as well, collecting new, unwrapped toys to be distributed to local children in need this upcoming holiday season. Chuck the Train will also make an appearance.

A US Marine, Cpl. Donald Ray Stevens was a Lake Charles native who was only 19 when he was killed in action in Vietnam in 1965. 

For more information, call 337-491-1280 or email parks@cityoflc.us.