From staff reports

The Crosses to Iraq project spearheaded by Vicksburg business owner Doris Brown is attempting to raise an additional $1,500 to send Clinging Crosses, small, handheld wooden crosses, to 171 soldiers in the 341st Engineer Company stationed in Iraq.

The initial project began in January and, by May, $10,039 had been raised by local donors. The money was used to send 1,324 crosses to soldiers on their way to Iraq or already there. Brown, who owns This N’ That Gifts on U.S. 61 North, said $1,554 would be enough to purchase 171 crosses and have them shipped to the soldiers. Donations can be made to Crosses to Iraq, 1640 U.S. 61 North, Suite B, Vicksburg, MS, 39183.