The Jones County Board of Supervisors presented a proclamation to Peggy Owens-Mansfield Monday declaring Saturday as Laurel/Jones County Day of Caring.
The proclamation was presented to Owens-Mansfield, executive director of the Pine Belt Chapter of the American Red Cross, in support of the agency’s Nov. 21st event which gives area residents an opportunity to help the less fortunate.
Owens-Mansfield said that from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, a special tent will be set up outside the Laurel Wal-Mart for groups or individuals to drop off non-perishable food items, new toys, or pet food. Food items will be used in the 550 food boxes for the elderly and disabled project, “Granny’s Pantry,” while the new toys will be given as Christmas gifts for children whose families lost their homes due to fire. The pet food will be donated to the Laurel Animal Rescue League to help feed abandoned pets in the area.
“Granny’s Pantry started in the late 1980’s with 50 boxes and now we do 550 or more,” said Owens-Mansfield. “Our referrals come from agencies who serve the elderly in Jones, Jasper, Smith and Wayne Counties.”
According to Owens-Mansfield, it takes about 18,000 cans plus additional items to fill the boxes. She added that there is one family that has purchased several hundred cake mixes for “Granny’s Pantry” boxes over the past years. It is now a part of their holiday tradition.
Also, Foster Grandparents and other groups contribute to the project by collecting peanut butter for the boxes. Other supporters include Laurel and Jones County schools, Laurel/Jones County Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Our Home Unitarian Universalist Church, and Jones County Junior College’s licensed practical nurse classes.
“The Laurel Fire Department and the West Ellisville Baptist Church and Life Church youth departments always support our Christmas Fire children program as do several other groups, individuals or school classes who adopt children each year,” added Owens-Mansfield. “Our own Red Cross Board also helps with the purchase of clothing.”
She said the chapter stays on call right up to Christmas morning to make sure Santa visits each child affected by fire. On several occasions Owens-Mansfield found herself shopping on Christmas Eve, just as stores were closing, because of a fire that occurred the night before.
“It is a part of my Christmas too when I can be sure that each child has some Christmas,” she said. “Some years we do not have last minute fires, but we stand ready to help if needed.”
Owens-Mansfield said “Day of Sharing” gives those in the community an opportunity to give thanks for all they have by helping their neighbors who are in need. She noted that one family who has purchased several hundred cake mixes Granny’s Pantry boxes.
“We appreciate the proclamation from the Board of Supervisors,” said Owens-Mansfield. “We hope 550 older adults will get nice box of food for Christmas.”
She also hopes people will be generous with pet food donations to support the Animal Rescue League. Owens-Mansfield said the Laurel Animal Rescue League helps house and feed abandoned animals and is always in need of pet food.
“I try to celebrate the joy my cats, Andy, Jack, and Paws, brings to our life each year by donating food in their honor,” she said. “It is a good feeling to know our four legged friends are being taken care of and the Rescue League does a great job in our community year round.”
Volunteers will be on hand to take donated items at Wal-Mart Nov. 21st to help meet needs.
“No donation of items is too small,” stressed Owens-Mansfield. “We know Laurel and Jones County really does care.”
For additional information, phone the American Red Cross at 601-426-9071.
Local News
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Photo/ Charlotte A. Graham
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