By Gabrielle Terrett

The Vicksburg Post

Mountain of Faith Ministries is spreading holiday cheer once again while also giving back to the community.

The organization is hosting its third annual Christmas Backpack Giveaway Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with hopes to give away more backpacks than previous events.

The organization has given away more than 1,000 backpacks in the past and this year has more than 1,700 available.

“In the past, we have distributed about 1,400 backpacks and this year we’re hoping we can get rid of all of the backpacks,” said director of Mountain of Faith Ministries, Kim Smith. “So hopefully we’re looking at 1,000 or more people coming out on Saturday.”

The backpack giveaway will be at the Pemberton Square Mall right outside of Belk and children ages 2 to 14 are welcome to participate.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. And although it is not a requirement, Mountain of Faith Ministries asks each participant to bring toilet paper, paper towels, soap, lotion or toothpaste in exchange for the backpacks. The toiletries will be a donation to the organization to help with their homeless mission.

The backpacks will be filled with goods for the children including toys, clothing, toiletries and canned goods.

Smith said the backpacks were donations from two other charity organizations.

“The Mississippi River Ministry and the North American Mission Board in Georgia are both a charity organization and they do the same thing that we do, which is giving back to the community,” Smith said.

Smith said the backpack giveaway is Mountain of Faith Ministries’ way of spreading Christmas joy while also giving back to the community.

“The purpose of the giveaway is to give back to the community,” said Smith. “For the community that often gives to us, we are just trying to give back to them.”

Other backpack giveaways organized by the Mountain of Faith Ministries have been held prior to the school year to achieve the same goal as the upcoming giveaway, which is to give all children the same opportunities.

“We’re hoping that those children that may be less fortunate can benefit from receiving the backpacks,” said Smith. “They’re loaded with all types of gifts and goodies, so it’ll be enjoyable for them.”

Smith is hopeful for a strong turnout Saturday.

“We’d like for everyone to come out and bring their kids,” said Smith. “You don’t have to be anyone in particular to receive a backpack, just be a part of the community and come on out and share with us, so we can share with you.”