About 55 percent of the clientele served at the Crossroads Food Pantry in Poplarville are children and elderly.
For the second year, the pantry is collecting toys to distribute to children of the families they serve, Director Sharon Bonnecarrere said. Last year, volunteers distributed 22 toys to children at the pantry’s Christmas party.
This year, Picayune Veterinary Clinic is partnering with the pantry and accepting gifts for children ages 4 months to 15 years at their office.
However, this isn’t the first time the clinic has hosted a drive for the pantry. Last year, the clinic hosted a canned food drive and donated the proceeds to Crossroads Food Pantry.
The toy drive will last until Dec. 11, Picayune Veterinary Clinic’s office manager Candice Burge said.
“We are asking that people bring a toy worth $10 or more and we will give donors 10 percent off an annual canine or feline visit,” Burge said.
An annual exam, which includes a fecal test, heartworm and all vaccinations, cost about $116, she said.
“We want to continue helping the pantry and the community in any way we can,” Burge said. “We all need to strive together to help families that are less fortunate and be a part of their lives too.”
Along with the toys, the pantry also hands out age-appropriate Bibles to each child, Bonnecarrere said.
“The pantry is blessed by this community to help especially at Christmas,” she said. “This is an opportunity to give back to the children in Pearl River County.”
The non-profit organization serves needy clients in the Pearl River, Ford’s Creek, White Sand and Henleyfield locations, Bonnecarrere said. The only criterion for service is that beneficiaries reside in the service area.
The pantry is open every second Wednesday of the month and hands out groceries to those in need. Grocery items include meats, canned goods, bread and dry goods.
All donations are tax-deductible and anyone wishing to donate to the food pantry may contact Bonnecarrere at 601-799-3045. Crossroads Food Pantry is located at 176 Old Crossroads West, Poplarville. Learn more about the pantry through Facebook.