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Wingard Home Families Visit Mississippi College for Christmas Dinner


When needy families from the Wingard Home in Jackson visit Mississippi College for a delicious Christmas dinner, holiday music and a chance to see Santa Claus, it’s always a special evening on the Clinton campus.

This year is no different with the MC Art Department hosting the event on the Clinton campus for the seventh year in a row. The evening to brighten the holiday season is set for December 4 beginning 6:30 p.m. in Anderson Hall.

“It is what now makes my Christmas every year,’’ says art professor Michael Hataway, the event’s chief organizer since its inception.

The Wingard Home at 1279 North West Street has opened its doors to minister to the homeless and needy of Jackson since 1990.

“This is an amazing night and we are so blessed to be there helping them enjoy an evening of God’s love for what they do every day all year to assist these families,’’ Hataway said.

Campus Dining Inc., Mississippi College’s food service provider, is again supplying the meal. Music professor Bonnie Blu Williams is expected to return to perform holiday favorites on the piano.

Gore Galleries Director Randy Jolly is back playing Santa Claus and the jolly fellow plans to hand out toys to children sitting on his knee.

“My goal was to start a Christmas dinner to feed them with the Joy of Christmas,’’ Hataway said. “It’s a great night to see all of the people, the families and see the children with Santa.’’

MC art students, faculty and staff are the volunteers who serve the meals. The Art Department always welcomes more volunteers.

The Wingard Home maintains a capacity for 42 residents. Keeping the home repaired, handling its growing needs and paying the utility bills is always a challenge for this Christian ministry.

 Charlotte Wingard and her husband Roy founded the downtown ministry after moving to Jackson. They came to the capital city after being homeless in Atlanta in the late 1980s.

“The home is a Christian service that helps people in a walk with Jesus Christ,’’ Hataway said.

People seeking to volunteer or needing more information should contact MC Art Department Chairman Randy Miley at 601-925-3912 or rmiley@mc.edu