Published: April 11, 2008 12:26 am            

Helping Hands: Neighbors Helping Neighbors

East Mississippi has an abundance of helping hands. We learned many years ago the importance of the community working together; solving problems, mending broken hearts, answering needs, and most importantly, getting things done.

When preparing for this column, where volunteerism is in the spotlight, I wanted to uplift many areas where the communities are working quietly and diligently in order to make life better for Mississippians.



Autism Awareness

In Meridian, there is a new and much needed group of volunteers who are hard at work supporting Autism Awareness. April is National Autism Awareness month. The Earnest Workers Circle through the International Order of King’s Daughters and Sons has adopted the project entitled Know Autism as a top priority. The newly organized Autism Support Group meets each third Tuesday at Rush Hospital Cafeteria meeting room. The next meeting is Tuesday, April 15, beginning at 6:30 PM. Dr. Mark H. Yeager, PhD, with his wife Bridgett, is the driving force in Mississippi through TEAAM, Together Enhancing Autism Awareness in Mississippi, phone number (toll free) 1-866-993-2437. In Meridian, Billie Dendy and Doris Smith, along with The Earnest Workers Circle, are committed to make Autism Awareness an important project for their volunteer group. This worthy endeavor needs the support and attention of our community.

Know the Autism Facts:

1) One in 150 children have autism.

2) One in 94 boys have autism.

3) More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes, and cancer combined.

Sobering facts – can you, your employer, or organization help? There is much to be done. For more information: call Doris Smith, (601) 681-6601.



Beta Sigma Phi – Epsilon Eta Chapter

This is a group of energetic women numbering only thirteen. It’s the Meridian Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi (an international sorority). Their primary project is the Super Bowl basket and it is chock full of many tasty snacks, and other prizes. The women sell chances, and the money is donated to The Key Chapter of The American Red Cross – this year amounting to $800.00. In addition, the group supplies paper goods and cleaning supplies to the new Veterans House, participates with Breast Cancer Awareness, and donates to Care Lodge and Love’s Kitchen. The 2008 projects include: reading for the blind on public radio and serving at hostesses at The Meridian Little Theatre. Small in membership numbers one the local level, but mighty in good works is an apt description for this organization. For more information: contact Susan Dillard, susan@wokk.com



Women of the Moose

Hold on to your hats as I tell you that this huge volunteer organization numbers between 450 and 500 women in the Meridian area, and they are busy! It’s only been a few years since the group won The Moose International Award for service – that’s right, international! Their volunteer hours include: Love’s Kitchen, Care Lodge, Easter Baskets for shut-in’s, and fruit baskets at Christmas. Special fundraisers are held for victims of disaster, such as losing a house to fire, or a sick child. For more information contact Bunny Stephens, (601) 693-2863.



Don’t think that good works are only in Meridian. No, not at all – just take a look at the following:



Kemper County Chamber of Commerce

Juanice Evans, Executive Director, has plenty to say concerning volunteerism in Kemper County. The annual prayer breakfast is the second week in February, and the annual business luncheon happens in April. The date this year is April 12 at Noon. There is a planned Health Fair on the lawn of the Kemper County Courthouse on April 20. Tourism is alive and well with such attractions as The Siples Mill, Kemper County Museum, and The Village Cloth House. A new Boys and Girls Club has recently been organized, and in May the Kemper County Civic League, The VFW, and The Kemper County Chamber hosts a Teachers Tea and select The Teacher of the Year who is given a monetary award.

Go! Dekalb! Go!



Lauderdale County Community Clubs – Suqualena

I know for a fact that all of the Lauderdale County Community Clubs are committed to the enrichment of their communities through member involvement. This year the Suqualena Club had an additional honor. The 2008 Man of the Year and 2008 Woman of the Year are both members of the Suqualena Club. This is a great honor. Congratulations to Diane and Pat Howse.



Decatur Woman’s Progressive Club/ Mississippi Federated Women’s Clubs

Can you handle another pleasant shocker? Decatur Woman’s Progressive Club (member of Mississippi Federated Women’s Clubs) under the leadership of President, Jackie Etie, had 9,506 volunteer service hours in 2007, and raised $40,845.00 with only 37 members! The money went back into the community in the form of student scholarships, town beautification projects, summer reading programs for students (partnering with the Decatur Library), women’s health issues, and much more. I was impressed with the annual Christmas party for patients (men) at East Mississippi State Hospital, members who volunteer to clean homes for the elderly, assistance to business owners helping perk up their building façade and lawn. Sponsoring a food bank drive and donating cleaning supplies for Care Lodge in Meridian - all additional worthy endeavors of this big-hearted club. For more information: contact Jackie Etie, missippy@nexband.com



Philadelphia/Neshoba County Arts Council

This talented group of volunteers produces three to four plays annually. They also participate at the annual Ham/Jam Festival, Oktoberfest, and sponsor children’s acting lessons in the summer. If you missed their production, “The Casserole Patrol” last summer, you missed a classic southern comedy performed with great expertise. For more information contact Laura Thrash, laurathrash@yahoo.com



Yes, helping hands is not a new concept in Mississippi, actually we probably invented it, and in a mighty way. If I missed your group or organization, please contact me. I need to show-off all Mississippians, if we don’t – who will?

        

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