Shreveport, La. – As the 36th year of the KTBS 3 St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway draws to a close, the station’s Community Projects Director, Jan Elkins, is receiving a special tribute for her retirement and her decades‑long dedication to the cause.
Decades of Service
Elkins has been involved with the Dream Home campaign since its inception, helping to connect ArkLaTex communities to the mission of supporting children and families facing serious illnesses. Under her guidance, the annual fundraiser has consistently raised both awareness and critical funding for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, enabling lifesaving research and care for countless young patients.
Surprise Recognition
Representatives from ALSAC – the fundraising and awareness arm of St. Jude – surprised Elkins with a heartfelt presentation. Among the gifts was a piece of artwork created by a St. Jude patient, along with several tokens of appreciation that highlighted her unwavering commitment.
“Your legacy, Jan, is much more than the dollars raised,” said Chris Boysen, senior vice president of ALSAC St. Jude. “It’s the hope that you’ve inspired, the families that you’ve impacted, and the countless children who have benefited from your dedication. Jan, thank you for believing in this mission. Thank you for your friendship and thank you for 36 remarkable years of support. Congratulations on your retirement.”
Impact on Families
The presentation underscored the tangible impact Elkins has had on the Dream Home campaign and the many families who have benefited from the funds raised over the years. The giveaway provides a fully furnished home to a deserving family, while the proceeds support St. Jude’s research and treatment programs.
Elkins’ Reflections
Elkins described her involvement as one of the most meaningful experiences of her career. “Everybody in their life and in their career wants to feel like they’ve made a difference, and with the KTBS 3 St. Jude Dream Home, I feel like we have,” she said. “I’ve been so honored and blessed to be a part of it. God has certainly been very good to me and thank you for being a blessing to all of us. God bless you.”
Community Gratitude
Organizers noted that the surprise recognition was a modest gesture of gratitude for Elkins’ unwavering support of a mission that has changed lives across the ArkLaTex region for more than three decades. Her leadership has helped sustain a program that not only provides hope to families in need but also fuels vital research that saves children’s lives.
As Elkins steps into retirement, the Shreveport community and the broader St. Jude family will remember her legacy of compassion, dedication, and faith‑driven service.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
