The Leesville Area Ministerial Alliance will host their annual golf tournament on April 9. LAMA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those in need in the local community.

Their mission statement reads: “The Leesville Area Ministerial Association known as LAMA is a community of faith-filled churches and ministries committed to releasing the life–giving and life-transforming message of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior to Vernon Parish and beyond.”

The tournament serves as a fundraiser for LAMA’s philanthropic efforts in the Vernon Parish community.

The tournament will be held at the Leesville Municipal Golf Course at 325 Country Club Drive, and all participants must register by April 2. The tournament will be a two-man scramble with teams competing for prizes and bragging rights. Lunch will be provided at the tournament as well. Registration for the tournament is $75 per team. Those interested in playing in the tournament can call 337-292-0544.

Susan Deemer is a LAMA representative, and she spoke to the Leesville Leader about just what it means to be able to serve the local community. Deemer said that due to the chaos that has occurred over the past few years, there are many people in need of various forms of assistance.

“We help those that are struggling, and right now that’s a lot of people,” Deemer said.

Deemer also noted that LAMA gave out 1,200 food boxes to members of the community who were in need at Christmas this year. Additionally, she noted that LAMA has helped locals who need help paying their utility bills, finding a place to stay, getting access to drug rehabilitation services.

LAMA also supports a local food pantry that serves 800 people on a monthly basis.

Deemer said it is the desire of LAMA to help out wherever they can, and that it means a lot to the organization to be able to serve the local community.

“It is so important to us to reach out to the community and help the people in Vernon Parish,” Deemer said.

Residents who wish to volunteer or support LAMA can attend their monthly meetings at the Leesville Municipal Golf Course on the first Wednesday of every month at noon. For more information, call 337-292-0544.