Submitted photoPoplar Springs Elementary School students get a closer look at the toys and bikes they have collected during December to donate to the Wesley House at the conclusion of the 30th annual Giving Feast.

Mississippi Power adopted about 65 angels as part of its participation in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program, providing toys to needy children at Christmas.

Gifts were delivered to the old Office Max store at Bonita Lakes Mall, and about a dozen Mississippi Power employees and their families helped sort them and checked the list to make sure each child would receive a gift. The gifts will be delivered Wednesday and Thursday.

There were about 1,000 adoptions in east Mississippi, with Mississippi Power being one of the largest single participants.

The event was managed and supported by the Kemper County energy facility’s Community Connection Board and the Mississippi Power employees who work at the facility. They have 175 members in the Kemper chapter. More than $7,500 was raised for this year’s event.

Major Glenn Riggs and his staff for oversaw the event for the Salvation Army.

Knights of Columbus provide coats

Meridian Knights of Columbus Council 802 held a Coats for Kids Campaign. More than 80 coats were provided to the Boys & Girls Club for distribution to their members by the Knights of Columbus Council 802. 

The Knights of Columbus conduct Coats for Kids drives in several counties as one of their charitable activities.

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men’s fraternal organization. Meridian Council 802 is the largest and oldest council in Mississippi.

Poplar Springs Giving Feast

This was the 30th year of the Poplar Springs Elementary School Giving Feast, which was held Dec. 16 in the school auditorium.

Students collected toys and bikes to give to the Wesley House for children in need during December. There were special guest performances and student performances, ending with the “big reveal” of all of the donations collected at the end of the program.

Marking its 30th year, past principals and teachers who initiated the Giving Feast were invited back to the celebration.

Suzanne Marshall writes the Neighbors column for The Meridian Star. Submit items to editor@themeridianstar.com.