Kenner issues proclamation honoring Makeisha Barnes after toy distribution that served about 1,800 children

Mayor Michael J. Glaser presented a proclamation Dec. 5 recognizing Makeisha Barnes and her nonprofit for an annual toy distribution that organizers said reached roughly 1,800 children.

The proclamation, read aloud by the mayor, credited Barnes—who founded the nonprofit in December 2006—with organizing back-to-school supply giveaways, disaster relief drives and the organization's 18th annual toy distribution. "May you continue to transform lives and be the source of inspiration for years to come," Glaser said as he closed the reading.

Makeisha Barnes, who accepted the proclamation, thanked the city and volunteers and said the group had more than 1,300 formal registrations but ultimately served "probably over 1,800 children," attributing the turnout to partnerships with the city of Kenner, the Kenner Police Department, Kenner Fire Department and Toys for Tots.

The proclamation document referenced the nonprofit's 501(c)(3) accreditation in August 2014 and noted the toy distribution took place Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, at the Poncha Train Center (as recorded in the proclamation text). Mayor Glaser's remarks named Police Chief Keith Conley and the Kenner City Council in thanking the nonprofit.

The recognition was ceremonial; no formal council action was required.

Community context: the event was presented as an annual, volunteer-led distribution that organizers and city officials said relied on public-private partnerships to deliver donated toys and supplies to area children.