Coliseum Mall Helps Hurricane Katrina Evacuees

December 21, 2005

Some two dozen children living in Hampton after evacuating from Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Katrina were treated to free photos with Santa Claus and a mini-shopping spree at Coliseum Mall today.

The Mall invited more than 70 children who are attending school in Hampton to come to the Center off I-64 at Mercury Boulevard with their parents and siblings. Each received a $50 Mall gift card and the opportunity to write letters to loved ones who are now living across the country since the Hurricane. Several students from the International Baccalaureate program at Hampton High School came to the Mall to help the children with the letter writing. The City provided the families with coupons granting free admission to Hampton museums and attractions throughout 2006, and members of Hampton Baptist Church wrapped presents, which the children purchased with the gift cards.

A number of City officials were on hand including Mayor Ross Kearney, Councilwoman Angela Lee Leary, City Manager Jesse Wallace, School Superintendent Dr. Patrick Russo and School Board Chairman Lennie Routten.

"This is a tough holiday for these kids," said Coliseum Mall Manager Raymond Tripp. "They've lost not just their homes, but are disconnected from their entire network of family and friends. We wanted to give them the chance to let everyone know they're doing okay and to give them an opportunity to do some holiday shopping -- the normal kinds of things that people do during this season."