MERIDIAN —     During this season of gift giving, local residents are being asked to consider giving the gift of literacy to children (ages 0-5) in Clarke, Kemper, and Lauderdale Counties by participating in a forthcoming event called Power of the Purse.

    Sponsored by Women’s Leadership of Meridian, a division of United Way of East Mississippi, Power of the Purse will be a live and silent auction of “purse” items — purses, original artisan pieces created in purse form (painted canvases, pottery, jewelry, wire sculptures, notecards, totes, etc.)  

    Thanks to the suggestion of Al Brown, a local radio personality with WMOX AM 1010, even a mystery purse will be available during the live auction segment.  

    Attendees will participate in bidding throughout the event, which will be held at The Temple Theatre, 2320 Eighth St., on Thursday, Jan. 31, 6-8 p.m. with a "sneak peek" opening at 5:30 p.m.

    All proceeds from the evening will fund the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program for the three counties the local United Way serves.  

    This 60 volume set of books, beginning with the children’s classic, "The Little Engine That Could," is free to children 0-5 who are residents of Clarke County, Kemper County, and a portion of Lauderdale County.   

    The success of Power of the Purse will fund the remaining zip codes of Lauderdale County. Currently, only 39301, 39305, and 39307 have been funded by participating partners of United Way of East Mississippi, The Phil Hardin Foundation, and Meridian Rotary Club.

    Women’s Leadership has set a goal of $30,000 to cover the remaining zip codes in Lauderdale County.

    Sponsorship levels for Power of the Purse are as follows:

    • $30: Cost of ticket to attend the Jan. 31, event, which provides age appropriate books delivered via USPS to one area child for one year.

    • $500: Provides books for 17 area children for one year.

    • $1000: Provides books for 34 area children for one year.

    • $1,500: Provides books for 50 area children for one year.

    • $3,000: Provides books for 100 area children for one year.

    • $5,000: Provides books for 167 area children for one year.

    Contributions are tax deductible. For more information contact the local United Way office at (601) 693-2732. Tickets are available at the following locations: Andersons North and South; Cater’s Market; Reflections; Southern Accents; The Liberty Shop; The Point; The Temple Theatre; and The United Way Office.