Browsing: Nonprofit

MOSS POINT—While the needs of the low income and homeless seem to be amplified during the holidays and when the weather is cold, but homelessness and the need for help knows no season or temperature. Just like God is ever present, so are the needs of those less fortunate.

Mississippi has one of the lowest rates of homelessness in the United States. However, our state isn’t without its challenges, like increased homelessness in Jackson and on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with both areas reporting rising numbers. There are many reasons why someone may find themselves without housing, and finding a solution can often feel overwhelming. But helping people experiencing homelessness doesn’t have to be hopeless, especially during the winter months.

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families and the Gulf Park Health Center are teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to collect toys for local children through the annual Toys for Tots campaign on the Hattiesburg and Long Beach campuses.

There’s something magical in the autumn air of Ocean Springs, and no—it’s not just the cool breeze rolling in off the Gulf. On October 25, downtown will be filled with cackles, broomsticks, and plenty of glitter as the 8th Annual Witches Ride of Ocean Springs takes flight!

What started as a small benefit concert in 2016 has grown into a three-day music festival that not only celebrates local talent but also raises vital funds for animal shelters across the Coast. Frets for Pets, founded by Dimitri Curtis, once began as a humble “Show Us Your Cans” food drive and has since blossomed into one of the area’s most unique charitable events.

Internet provider Sparklight® has just launched “Connections That Give Back,” a charitable extension of its Refer-A-Friend program, benefiting Catholic Charities of South Mississippi Food Bank, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting food insecurity for individuals and families.

Gleaners, Inc., also known as The Volunteers of Gleaners, is a Jackson, Mississippi-based nonprofit organization founded by Gloria Martinson in 1986. Today, the Volunteers of Gleaners salvage food that otherwise would go to waste and redistribute it to nonprofits in the central Mississippi area. 

Dog owners understand the blessings that come with having a fur friend. But for those living with disabilities, dogs offer a wide range of benefits, including assistance with daily tasks, retrieving objects, and providing physical support to maintain balance. Beyond physical aid, dogs also offer emotional and mental health benefits, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness through companionship.

The Mississippi Main Street Revitalization Grant Program Act (MMSRG) is authorized through MS Senate Bill 2696 (2024) and authorizes the Mississippi Legislature (Legislature), as well as the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) through appropriations by the Legislature, to make grants available to eligible recipients for projects “leading to the revitalization of Mississippi’s downtowns or communities”.

Animal shelters offer numerous benefits to communities, including providing a haven for homeless animals, reducing pet overpopulation, and promoting responsible pet ownership. They also play a crucial role in animal rescue, rehabilitation, and finding loving homes for animals in need. Regional animal shelters can have a positive impact on local economies and contribute to community well-being. 

Ready or not … it is time for Mississippi kids to head back to school. 

Of course, that also means it is time to buy new clothes and school supplies. For parents that can be a daunting, expensive, time-consuming task. But for grandmothers like me, shopping for school supplies is a yearly adventure filled with laughter, good food, and lots of cash. 

A dozen local children will soon sleep more soundly thanks to a collaborative effort between Sparklight® and the Jackson County chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP). During a volunteer event held July 18 at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, 30 Sparklight associates and family members worked alongside SHP volunteers to build beds for children who previously didn’t have one of their own.

The Mississippi Farm to School Network connects farmers with schools to bring Mississippi-grown products into school cafeterias. Statewide, the team advocates for local farmers and schools, believing that purchasing locally grown, locally sourced food benefits everyone.

Keep America Beautiful is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to community improvement. Its mission is to inspire and educate people to work toward a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful America. Keep Mississippi Beautiful is a network that connects 60 Keep America Beautiful-certified affiliates throughout our state, focusing on litter prevention, recycling, and community beautification. 

TrueCare, a nonprofit, provider-sponsored health plan, is supporting local nonprofits and charitable organizations with the launch of its Community Champions Grant. This grant is designed to support grassroots organizations in Mississippi addressing health disparities and driving lasting impact in underserved communities and complex populations across the state.

Mark your calendars for a night of magic and meaning. On June 28, 2025, the Junior Auxiliary of Biloxi-Ocean Springs (JABOS) will host its signature event, the Gala for the Kids, at the luxurious Beau Rivage Casino & Resort in Biloxi. This year’s theme, Fireflies and Starry Nights – Shining Bright for the Kids, promises an evening of elegance, community, and heartfelt purpose.