ELTON — Christmas came early for a family in Jeff Davis Parish, and it's all thanks to Dwayne's Dream Team, an organization based out of Acadia Parish.
For the second year in a row, Dwayne Richard and his team traveled all across Acadiana, giving presents to families in need.
Bridget Actlis was out of work and didn't know if she'd be able give her two daughters a Christmas.
"If I don't have it, I don't have it. You know, they understood it, which my oldest..." Actlis continued, "She's the mom of the group, so she [would say], 'It's okay, mama. We're going to get through it."
When Actlis was contacted by Dwayne's Dream Team, she broke down in tears and couldn't wait to share the news with her daughters Jaylen and Jh'orden.
"I said, 'Y'all, we have someone special coming to the house.' They were like, 'Really, Mama?!' I was like, 'Yes!' So, low and behold, Mr. Dwayne came today," said Actlis. "Their faces were priceless."
The Actlis family is the twentieth family this year who the dream team has helped.
About two years ago, Dwayne was injured in a major accident.
"I fell off a two-story building, and I was in the hospital for six weeks," explained Dwayne. "Once I got out, friends and family from around the Church Point area came came together and had a benefit for (my) family."
Now, he's paying it forward family by family, and the reactions are making it all worth while.
"(My favorite part is) definitely the smiles of the children. I mean, and for some of the smallest things. Things that we take for granted," said Dwayne.
Keep up with Dwayne's Dream Team by visiting their Facebook page where you can donate or become a volunteer.
