Wesson -The community service driven group, who became known as the League of Extraordinary Women of Wesson spent their third consecutive Christmas season by holding a Wesson Angel Tree Project.

The fearless group of women began by drafting applications for the school to distribute to the children who would then take the forms home to their parents. When parents felt they needed extra assistance with gifts and clothes this Christmas, they turned the forms back in to the school. The school then held a screening process in addition to the age limit 0-16. The assistance truly goes to those who showed financial need.

LEWW then erected a tree at Trustmark Bank and Copiah Bank in Wesson complete with ornaments that had the qualifying children’s information but no names. Anyone could “adopt” an anonymous child and agree to purchase at least two gifts on the child’s wish list, an outfit and a jacket.

Member of the group, Megan Roberts, shared her view on the project.

“It’s very rewarding to know that we can ensure Christmas knowing they may not have had it otherwise. It’s our duty to help one another. We know we are blessed, and we just want to bless others. These kids deserve it,” Roberts said.

44 children were “blessed” through Wesson’s Angel Tree Project this year. 70 were assisted last year, and 36 the inaugural year.

“This is the town where I grew up and the same town where I’ll raise my daughter. This is our way to give back to our community. The kids that will benefit from Angel Tree Project are the kids my child will grow up with and be friends with forever, ” League of Extraordinary Women Founder Melissa Brady, said. “There are many gut-wrenching stories that we can’t share because they are far too personal and confidential, but rest assured the donations are going to a great place. Even though we can’t share these stories, we want people to know their donations are more than worthwhile.”

The group has been fortunate to have been supported with friends sending monetary donations and physical items needed. 100% of the proceeds go to local children in need, which is LEWW’s target audience in their mission.

Legal guardians of the participating children picked up the donations at the Old Wesson School on Dec. 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

“I enjoy seeing the people’s smiling faces when they pick up their toys and know that their children will now have Christmas…Santa has come!” Kim Roberts, another faithful member of LEWW, said.

How can you get involved in the League of Extraordinary Women of Wesson?

* Be a member

* Donations: monetary and needed physical items

* Attend monthly meetings

* Be an extra pair of hands

 

Photos Submitted

Kim Roberts, Melissa Brady, Megan Roberts

Melissa Brady