Whether you fly over or drive through Mississippi, you are surrounded by the beauty and abundance of our timberlands. With approximately 19.3 million acres of forest land, Mississippi is ranked 3rd in timber-producing acres in the Southeastern US. At almost 68,000 forest-related jobs, forestry accounts for 4% of all jobs in Mississippi.
Forest product manufacturing represents Mississippi’s most significant share of total manufacturing at 14.9%. Mississippi timber mills produce everything from utility poles, construction mats, dimensional lumber, plywood, newsprint, timbers, beams, pallets, and pellets. The Mississippi Loggers Association is a non-profit organization committed to enhancing the logging industry in Mississippi.
The Mississippi Loggers Association (MLA) is also committed and passionate about volunteering and raising funds for the Log A Load for Kids, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals program. The mission of the Log A Load For Kids Foundation program is to raise funds to improve children’s health through treatment, education, and research.
For over 35 years, the forest product industry, including Mississippi’s, has rallied their communities to raise funds for their local children’s hospitals. Since 1988, loggers across America have raised over $60 million through Log A Load for Kids.
“The MLA has raised over $2,300,000 through Log A Load for Kids, and donations have been made to Blair E. Batson Hospital for children in Jackson, Mississippi,” shared David Livingston, Executive Director of the MLA. “MLA is the largest single donor to the Log A Load for Kids behind Walmart, something we are very proud of!”
Without its dedicated volunteers, MLA wouldn’t be as successful at fundraising for children’s hospitals. The Children’s Miracle Network Log A Load for Kids recognizes a stand-out volunteer annually. Roy Holder from Ricton, Mississippi, was recognized as the 2024 Volunteer of the Year. A dedicated forester at Enviva Biomass, Holder has devoted his entire adult life to the timber industry, honing his professional skills and cultivating a deep sense of community and philanthropy.
Photo credit: Roy Holder
Holder got involved with Log A Load for Kids in 2010, offering his unique talents as an auctioneer to events in Mississippi and nationally. His talent for auctioneering is a skill that helps raise thousands of dollars for the cause.
“It was my dad who instilled in me the values of service and generosity,” shared Holder. “He was also the one who taught me how to be an auctioneer.”
Holder’s distinct auctioneering style, charm, and ability to connect with audiences make him effective.
“His enthusiasm is infectious,” shared Livingston. “Roy truly has a heart of gold for the children and believes it is his mission to help Log a Load for Kids as much as he can help, and it shows through every time we have an auction or he gets to tell someone about our mission.”
Holder’s story is one of commitment, compassion, and a relentless drive to make a difference in children’s lives in Mississippi.
“100% of the money raised goes to Blair E. Batson Hospital for children in Jackson, Mississippi,” explained Holder. “Knowing you’re ensuring Mississippi kids have the support and resources they need to thrive keeps me showing up.”
You can learn more about Log A Load Foundation or when to support the Mississippi LOggers Association’s next event by going to their website: https://www.msloggers.org/log-a-load-for-kids
