Wicker: Spirit of Giving Strong in Mississippi

Statement

I had an opportunity to see the generosity of Mississippians first-hand during this holiday season when I rang the bell for the Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle at a local shopping center. It was a remarkable experience to see people of all races and socio-economic levels as they cheerfully dropped coins or folding money into the familiar red kettle. Some folks were in a hurry, but others took a few minutes to chat or catch up on old times.

The Christmas tradition of bell-ringing is an activity the Salvation Army has sponsored for 113 years. Kettle collections began as a way to feed Christmas dinner to the poor in San Francisco in 1891. The practice quickly spread across the nation, promoting the organization's message that "Sharing is Caring." The funds help run local Salvation Army holiday activities that include the Angel Tree gift program as well as meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The money also supports feeding and housing programs and after-school activities throughout the year.

GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS

Captain Philip Swyers of the Salvation Army in Tupelo said the generosity of area residents has been invaluable in helping Salvation Army volunteers share the spirit of the season with needy families. "We could not fulfill our mission of service in the community without these resources and the work of our many volunteers," he said. On an average day, each kettle will produce $500 in small individual donations, adding up to a big difference in the lives of neighbors in need. This activity is repeated wherever bell-ringers are found all across the state.

This program is just one of many initiatives undertaken during the Christmas season by church groups, non-profit organizations, civic and community clubs, and individuals. Their resources and volunteer activities help make spirits bright for the less fortunate in our hometowns throughout Mississippi.

MISS. IS NO. 1 IN GIVING

The spirit of giving is strong in our state, and not just during the holidays. In fact, Mississippians are the most giving people in all of America. That distinction was reaffirmed in October when a national survey revealed that Mississippi had once again been rated No. 1 in the nation in charitable giving.

The Catalogue for Philanthropy measures charitable giving in the U.S. each year and ranks the states on its Generosity Index. The organization uses Internal Revenue Service records to compare each state's average adjusted gross income with its itemized charitable deductions. The 2004 version showed that our state topped the list for the eighth year in a row. States in the Bible Belt led the way in giving with Mississippi followed closely by Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee at the head of the list. Connecticut, which had the nation's highest adjusted gross income, ranked 44th on the index.

While it is nice to receive national attention, the most tangible sign that Mississippians care for those in need is found in support for programs like the Christmas Kettle and countless volunteer activities in our local communities - at Christmastime and throughout the year.

Source