An organization known for outreach through out the year and especially during the Christmas holiday season is hoping shoppers will give generously. MPB's Desare Frazier reports.
The Salvation Army of Jackson's kettle season officially began Black Friday, but kettles have been out in some locations since November 1. Mary Holden is outside a Jackson grocery accepting kettle donations. The 4th grade teacher says she been doing this for 18 years because she wants to give back.
"I know surgeons on the street. I know people that because of illness and sickness they've lost homes and cars. It's not all about drugs and terrible things the reason why they're in the fix that they are and I can attest to that because I talk to people all the time," said Holden.
Michelle Hartfield is with the Salvation Army's Jackson office, which covers six surrounding counties including Scott, Copiah and Yazoo. Last year with the help of donations they provided more than 65,000 meals, paid utility bills for over 1,200 people and distributed nearly 12,000 Christmas gifts.
"Our goal is $485,000 in the Jackson area and that money we use for the first half of the year to fund all of our programs. So, we live off of these kettles to do our homeless shelter our social services," says Hartfield.
This year's goal is $15,000 less than last year's. Hartfield says they lowered it because fewer people carry cash and the agency doesn't have card readers. Maybe a generous person could be their Santa this year.
