Backpacks to be given away to local children

Published 8:43 pm Thursday, December 13, 2018

Christmas will be a bit brighter for some children in Warren County when Mountain of Faith holds its fourth annual Christmas backpack distribution Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at C J Williams Mortuary Service, 4310 Halls Ferry Road.

“We will be giving out more than 800 backpacks to children ages 2 to 14,” said Betty James, Mountain of Faith executive director. Although previous information indicated the distribution would be in the business’ parking lot, James said the backpacks will be distributed in the building’s gym. “We will have a sign outside.”

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The Mississippi River Ministry and the North American Mission Board in Georgia donate the book bags each year. An adult must accompany youth.

“The backpacks will contain toys, clothes, toiletries and canned goods,” she said.

Participants are asked to bring a donation of toilet tissue, paper towels or toiletries such as toothpaste, soap or lotions for the women served by the shelter. The donations of supplies for the mission’s homeless shelter helps Mountain of Faith reduce its costs to operate the shelter.

Mountain of Faith began the backpack distribution to help parents who would otherwise have a difficult time making ends meet and getting gifts for their children.

The first year, 800 backpacks were distributed to children. In 2017, 1,800 were given away.

About John Surratt

John Surratt is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in general studies. He has worked as an editor, reporter and photographer for newspapers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. He has been a member of The Vicksburg Post staff since 2011 and covers city government. He and his wife attend St. Paul Catholic Church and he is a member of the Port City Kiwanis Club.

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