On any given day, there are approximately 437,500 children in foster care in the United States. Most of these children are removed from their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs.
In November 2021, employees sold tickets to Dixie Electric’s annual 12 Days of Christmas drawing, raising $5,500 for local foster backpack programs. In February, the proceeds and additional donations from Dixie Electric employees were used to purchase items to fill over 200 backpacks for children in foster care in Jones, Forrest, Wayne, Perry, and Clarke counties. These backpacks are used to inspire communities to bring dignity and hope to children in foster care.
Employees came together to fill these backpacks with various comforting items, including toys, clothing, diapers, toiletries, and personal hygiene products. The backpacks are designed to help make the transition into foster care easier for the child and the foster family receiving them.
“Dixie Electric continually looks for opportunities to improve the quality of life for those in our community,” said Amanda Mills, communication assistant. “We are thankful for those in our community who answered the call to foster children in need. This is just a small way that we can make this transition smoother for not only the child but for the foster parents as well.”
For more information on how you can get involved, contact the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services.