OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) -- For the 13th year, Opelousas city officials, along with MedExpress, moved from neighborhood to neighborhood, delivering gifts to families in need -- and in true Santa Claus fashion.

Marvin Richard, alderman at large, said it is all about giving back.

"We let the schools pick a family and we give that family a Christmas. A family that probably wouldn't have had a Christmas, it's all about giving back," he said.

With gifts and toys handed out to about 20 families all over Opelousas, children and adults alike were overcome with joy.

"Well I use myself as an example because I can remember when I was a kid and I can remember families doing it for me and my brother and sisters. So I thank god that they had people that had hearts to give back to us," he said.

"So I feel that god want us to do that, give it back. So that's why we do it, it's a passion for me. And I know the people out here doing it love seeing the smile on people's faces as well," he continued.

Richard said this event is something that brings the Opelousas community together every year for the holidays.

"Richard: "I thank everyone that stepped up to the plate every year to do this in the community and we want to keep showing positive things in the community because there's a lot of things we could talk about. But this right here is what we call a unifier. And I wanted to say this we gotta continue loving one another because this is what it's all about, loving and care, and god bless our community," he said.

Opelousas city officials plan to keep this tradition alive for many more years to come.

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