Community buys gifts for thousands of children in need - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

Community buys gifts for thousands of children in need

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By Michelle Lady - bio | email

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JACKSON COUNTY, MS (WLOX) -

Christmas will be very merry for more than a thousand children in Jackson County thanks to the generosity of strangers.

Mother of three, Camesha Hughes said, "I can't wait to see their faces when they open the presents on Christmas morning. They are going to be like, 'Ohhh Momma!' They are going to be so happy."

Teresa Outlaw, who has two grandchildren, said, "They are going to love Christmas and I'm so happy we are going to have a joyous Christmas."

The Salvation Army in Jackson County had 1,054 names on its Angel Tree this year and Capt. Andy Bailey said every child was adopted.

"This is our first appointment down here on the Gulf Coast and the people have gone above and beyond," Bailey said. "The community has stepped up to the plate and immediately began to adopt angels."

In addition to collecting toys for every family in the program, Captain Bailey said others pitched in to buy even more gifts on the children's lists.

"A lady the other night contacted my wife, Capt. Jenny, and said, 'I'd like for you to send someone to Walmart. I want to spend $2,000 on toys.' Another guy came by anonymously and gave $3,000."

Jolly volunteer Rosemary Rodgers said she is not surprised to see the outpouring of generosity from her community because, after all, giving is what the season is all about.

"We are all servants of God. So get out and get your hands dirty and get out and help someone. That's the best gift you can give this season," Rodgers said.

The Angel Tree program also provided gifts for 1,297 children in Harrison County and 308 in Hancock County.

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