That is the total number of children we were able to gift brand new winter coats to, thanks to the help and support of our community.

In typical Mississippi weather fashion - winter was slow to make its arrival this year. Temps tip toed around the 60's until mid-November, overnight temperatures crept to the low 30's. We all went from short sleeve shirts and open toed shoes - to bundling up with coats and hats.

 

For many children in our community, the change in temps didn't mean opening the coat closet door and pulling out their winter coat and carrying on. It meant grabbing a long sleeve shirt to wear under a uniform top, hoping a sibling had an extra sweater, wishing that cardigan was a little thicker and a little warmer, or that nobody at school noticed last year's coat was just a little too small.

 

The Sheriff's Office answered the call to serve our dear children of the community and turned to you all to help us serve. We originally had 24 coats on our wish list. The day we posted our coat drive - the list of needs grew - but that didn't hinder our project in the slightest.

After sharing the story of a mother reaching out for a coat for her son, and us not having one in that size yet - Tunica did what it always does - goes the extra mile and helps us help others in need. Within the hour of us calling on the public to help us, we had someone headed to the nearest Walmart that purchased the young boy a new coat, gloves, and a hat.

 

Also within the first hour of calling on the public - all coats on our wish list had been ordered and would be at our agency as soon as 48 hours. We had people willing to purchase more coats - so we were able to extend the project beyond our original goal and help more children.

 

By Friday, we had given 38 coats to the most thankful, appreciative boys and girls across the County. We had four children that we needed coats for and asked the community to help. Within 20 minutes, you all filled our request. No child would have to go without the comfort of warmth.

 

While words fail to adequately express how appreciative we are of your coat donations, the song "Thank You (for Giving to the Lord)" embodies our gratitude.

 

Thank you for giving to the Lord.

I am a life that was changed.

Thank you for giving to the Lord.

I am so glad you gave.

You didn't have much money, but you gave it anyway. One by

one they came - each life touched by your generosity. Little

things that you had done - sacrifices made - heaven now

proclaims - great is your reward!