Angel Tree Ministry Helps Children of Prisoners
Mississippi College family members want to bring Christmas cheer to children with parents in prison.
It’s through investing in the Angel Tree ministry that’s going to bring the kids toys, clothing, dolls, and lots of love.
The goal at Mississippi College is to sponsor 120 boys and girls across the Magnolia State. A Christmas tree adorned with angels is spreading the word to faculty, staff and students in the MC cafeteria through mid-December.
“It’s a good way to take care of people that are hurting and need a lot of love,” says MC student Mary Ann McCarty of Meridian.
MC senior Grace Hall, a vocal performance major, sings the praises of Angel Tree. She’s stayed actively involved with Angel Tree since she was a freshman on the Clinton campus.
“This is helping children in need,” says Hall, 21, a Forney, Texas resident. “It gives people an opportunity to help others. I love it.”
The Christmas holidays are always her favorite time of year. Grace remains hopeful the children of Mississippi prisoners will get to experience the joy of the holiday season, too.
Nationwide, there are 2.7 million children with parents incarcerated in 2016. This year, about 600,000 men and women now in jail will return to their communities to live.
Shari Barnes, director of MC’s Community Service Center, is once again overseeing the Angel Tree project linked to the Prison Fellowship ministry.
For the price of $50, Mississippi College students, faculty, staff or alumni can sign up and lift the Christmas spirits of these children. The boys and girls, ages 1 through 18, live in communities like Clinton, Jackson, Raymond, Hazlehurst, Brandon and Pearl. They are residents of towns all over Central Mississippi.
Barnes plans to close the Angel Tree campaign December 14 on the Clinton campus and the MC Law School in Jackson. Then, she will deliver Christmas gifts two days later to show God’s love to more than 100 children.
For more information, contact Shari Barnes at 601-925-3267 or sbarnes@mc.edu
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