Submitted photoTeam “Recycle “ are Kathy Anderson-City of Meridian, Cee Cee Martin-Anderson Regional Health System, Debby Delshad-EMBDC, and Sidney Nolan-Miss. Air National Guard. Back row: Denitra Hicks-Meridian Community Living Center, Michael Crowe-Great Southern Bank and Kevin Adams-Anderson Regional Health System.

Leadership Lauderdale is a program of East Mississippi Business Development Foundation. For over 16 years, this program has taught Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” to yearly classes of 30 participants – all wanting to make a difference in their personal life and community.

The skills that are taught and the relationships that are formed are invaluable. Visits to area businesses enrich the knowledge of participants to a higher level. Whether ‘walking on water’ at the City of Meridian Water Plant or discovering the Department of Public Safety and Training facility and their amazing body of work, it’s an eye-opening experience for all.

The 2016-17 class of Leadership Lauderdale has been tasked with team projects that strengthens and supports our community while providing each team the opportunity to get to know each other better and work together towards a common goal.

Team “Recycle” will be collecting plastic bags for Feed by Faith, which serves over 60,000 meals a year to those in need. Feed by Faith is an organization that feeds those who need a hot meal served in a safe and secure environment. No one is turned way who is hungry…whether it is for food or God.

Peggy Coleman founded the organization in 2006 with a vision to feed hungry people. Peggy and her dedicated board of directors and volunteers continue to serve hot meals on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Feed by Faith is located at 3401 5th Street in Meridian.

Each team member is responsible for placing a receptacle at participating businesses for collection. In addition to collecting the plastic bags, the team members will be purchasing the 3-compartment foam containers required for the hot meals. Everyone probably has a great number of these bags that could really be put to good use. Please bring them to one of our locations and help support the good work provided by Feed by Faith. The collection efforts will continue until the end of April.

Drop off locations include the EMBDC office, Miss. Power, Great Southern Bank (all locations), Meridian Mutual Federal Union, Meridian Activity Center.