On June 11, Love’s Travel Stop opened its doors in Poplarville and next month, the store will hold its first company–sponsored fundraising event, a chili cook off.
For the past 17 years, Love’s has partnered with the Children’s Miracle Network and raised more than $13 million for the network’s hospitals, Love’s Communications Specialist Specialist Kealey Dorian said.
“We are happy to partner with the mayor and city of Poplarville to host this event,” Dorian said.
The closest Children’s Hospital is located in New Orleans, Louisiana and funds raised at the Poplarville store will be donated there, Dorian said.
According to the website, the Children’s Miracle Network has raised more than $5 billion for children’s hospitals across the nation. Funds are used for research, training, equipment and uncompensated care.
The Children’s Miracle Network campaign will begin in stores on Aug. 25 and last through Sept. 30, Dorian said. Customers can donate $1, $5 or $20 to purchase a balloon, she said. All proceeds are donated to the campaign.
In conjunction with the campaign, the chili cook off will be held on Sept. 26 at Poplarville’s city park.
Officials are accepting applications now, she said. The cost to enter is $25 and people can enter either as individuals or as a group.
Prizes will be awarded for first through third place and there will be other activities, which include a bounce house, music and hot dogs, Dorian said.
There has been a great response since the store opened its doors in Poplarville, Dorian said.
“The community is excited to see us here and the mayor is very active about getting involved,” Dorian said. “Traffic-wise, it’s right up there with the company average.”
People interested in registering for the cook-off can contact general manager Thomas Morrison at 601-403-9850.
Love’s Travel Stop is located at 720 Hwy. 26 E.