Jammin’ for the Kids still helping area children

Published 5:56 pm Tuesday, December 15, 2020

When Jammin’ for the Kids was first organized 22 years ago, it became an immediate success.

The fundraiser, which benefits children whose parents are incarcerated, featured musical entertainment, food, an auction, a raffle and a toy collection.

But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and out of an abundance of caution, event organizer Kemper Earhardt said the 23rd installment will not be held.

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However, because the outpouring from the community has been “so generous” in the past, Earhardt said, a fundraiser will still be held, “just in a different way.”

“We will still raise money and take in toys to make sure the children of Vicksburg and Warren County, who would not have Christmas, are taken care of,” Earhardt said.

This year, collection boxes will be placed at the front door of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, across the street from the Warren County Courthouse; at the entrance of River City Rescue on Washington Street; and Toney’s Grill and Seafood Market on U.S. 61 North for people to drop off new, unwrapped toys.

“For individuals who have been so generous in opening their hearts and wallets in the past, checks can still be made out to ‘Beyond Walls Ministries,’ which is our tax-deductible 501(c)(3) organization,” Earhardt said, and dropped off at River City Rescue or mailed to River City Rescue 3625 Washington St. Vicksburg, MS 39180.

In addition, Earhardt said, “If anyone wants to donate larger items, such as bicycles or items that will not fit into our toy collection boxes, River City Rescue will also gladly take in these items and hold them until they are delivered for Christmas.”

While this year’s event had to be altered, Earhardt said he will be glad when they can resume their indoor gathering where the “room is packed.”

“We look forward to our in-person event next year, similar to what we have done in the past 22 years with auctions, raffles, food and fellowship, after this pandemic has passed,” he said.

The deadline to drop off toys is Dec. 22. For more information, call 601-636-6602.

About Terri Cowart Frazier

Terri Frazier was born in Cleveland. Shortly afterward, the family moved to Vicksburg. She is a part-time reporter at The Vicksburg Post and is the editor of the Vicksburg Living Magazine, which has been awarded First Place by the Mississippi Press Association. She has also been the recipient of a First Place award in the MPA’s Better Newspaper Contest’s editorial division for the “Best Feature Story.”

Terri graduated from Warren Central High School and Mississippi State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations.

Prior to coming to work at The Post a little more than 10 years ago, she did some freelancing at the Jackson Free Press. But for most of her life, she enjoyed being a full-time stay at home mom.

Terri is a member of the Crawford Street United Methodist Church. She is a lifetime member of the Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary and is a past member of the Sampler Antique Club and Town and Country Garden Club. She is married to Dr. Walter Frazier.

“From staying informed with local governmental issues to hearing the stories of its people, a hometown newspaper is vital to a community. I have felt privileged to be part of a dedicated team at The Post throughout my tenure and hope that with theirs and with local support, I will be able to continue to grow and hone in on my skills as I help share the stories in Vicksburg. When asked what I like most about my job, my answer is always ‘the people.’

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