While Pine Belt residents have gift-giving on their minds, Hattiesburg city officials and nonprofit leaders gave charitable opportunities for contributing during the holiday season.
Mayor Toby Barker said the city receives all kinds of calls about donations.
"Often during this time of year, our office receives many calls about where the need is and how it can be filled," he said. "Unfortunately, we also receive calls about possible scams and giving opportunities that may not be real. Because we know that Hattiesburg is a city with people who want to be a part of something bigger than themselves – often more during this season of giving – we wanted to come together to discuss legitimate and vetted ways to give."
Barker also received information about donations from Police Chief Anthony Parker, Fire Chief Sherrocko Stewart, City Homeless Coordinator Kim Townsend, Ann McCullen with Edwards Street Fellowship, Jim Prout with Christian Services, and Tracie Fowler with the United Way of Southeast Mississippi.
Barker said the presentation about the available donations is "a snapshot" of the available charities.
"Our city is full of nonprofit organizations that fill a variety of needs," he said. "Whether it's an extra can of food, a helping hand to serve, or an extra pair of socks – the smallest of actions can be felt bigger and deeper than we can imagine."
The following opportunities were presented:
Hattiesburg Fire Department: During No Shave November & Don't Shave December, firefighters can pay $30 to-not-shave. The public can pitch in by sponsoring a firefighter or donating on his behalf. This year, the Fire Department is donating funds raised to a 6-year-old boy in our community who has cancer.
Hattiesburg Police Department: Hearts of Hope Toy Drive at Walt Massey Chevrolet will be accepting toys through Dec. 19. Through this partnership, these toys will help provide children who are in families that have been affected by homicide.
Homeless Support: The City of Hattiesburg partners with Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources to connect those experiencing homeless with the resources needed. For ways to volunteer or provide items that clients may need, call 601.325.0583 to speak with the City of Hattiesburg's Homeless Coordinator – Kim Townsend. The following organizations also provide support to the homeless and have needs that can be filled by giving:
• USM Institute for Disability Studies is taking canned food items and household supplies for families experiencing homelessness. Contact: 601.266.5683
• AIDS Services Coalition provides a housing program for women and children who are experiencing homelessness, as well as housing assistance for those living with HIV. Contact: 601.450.4286
• Domestic Violence Women's Shelter is always in need of additional items to provide to women and children who are experiencing and getting out of domestic violence situations. Personal hygiene items, clothing, and stuff animals for children are always welcome. Contact: 601.428.1707
• The Lighthouse Rescue Mission helps women experiencing homelessness with housing. Contact: 601.544.2169.
Edwards Street Fellowship: The charity provides food to the hungry throughout the year, but the holidays tend to provide for a bigger need. Canned food drives, rice drives, and non-perishable food items all go the extra mile in helping meet their mission. For a full list of items they need most, visit https://edwardsstreetfellowship.org/food-pantry.html. Their free health clinic can also use office supplies, as well.
Christian Services: The charity is a multi-faceted ministry that provides meals to the needy, including Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners – and a Birthday Party for Jesus that provides Christmas to underprivileged children in the Hattiesburg community. Their needs range from volunteers serving meals to toys and supplies donated for the Birthday Party for Jesus event. For more about how you can volunteer or serve, visithttps://www.christianserve.org/.
United Way of Southeast Mississippi: The charity works with more than 15 agencies throughout the community that have a direct impact on education, financial stability, and healthy living. Throughout the holidays, it also works directly with organizations and businesses to meet needs in the community. Shoe Station on U.S. Hwy. 98 is taking shoe donations, and Books-a-Million is accepting book donations. The United Way will help distribute both to those who need them in the community. To learn more about these opportunities and ways to give through each of their partnering agencies, visit www.unitewaysems.org, or call 601.545.7141.