A little bad luck brought some good fortune to the Rev. ChadYarborough this week when he became the second winner of The DAILYLEADER’S annual Hometown Christmas promotion.

The Rev. Yarborough’s name was picked from the special HometownBucks box at Smith Brothers Collision Center & TruckAccessories, where his vehicle was being repaired.

“My wife, Christy, hit a deer in our new car. When she took itin, she signed us up,” he said.

The Rev. Yarborough, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, wasecstatic to learn that her efforts brought them a little extra giftfor the upcoming holidays.

“It was pretty exciting. I’m not used to winning anything,” hesaid.

The Magnolia native said the Hometown Christmas promotion isjust one example of some of the many impressive activities he hasnoticed since moving to the area a few years ago.

“It really helps the businesses connect with the community.That’s what I really like about Brookhaven, the communityatmosphere,” said the Rev. Yarborough.

He complimented the idea and pointed out that it provides agreat lift for local residents during the holiday season.

“It’s a good way to improve the Christmas spirit and the spiritof giving this time of year,” said the Rev. Yarborough.

He plans to return his wife’s generosity by letting her use theHometown Bucks to buy Christmas gifts for friends and family. TheYarboroughs have two children, Caylee Grace, 4, and Caleb, 6.

Hometown Bucks can be spent at Betty Ann’s, Brookhaven Sports,Brookwood Gifts and Antiques, Country Fisherman, Engravables,Expectations, The Haberdashery of Brookhaven, Millane’s Gift &Bridal Registry, NetSouth, Shipps Flowers, Sisters By Design, SmithBrothers Collision Center & Truck Accessories, The Posey Placeand T.H. Perkins Furniture.

Shoppers can register for the weekly drawings at thoseparticipating businesses, as well as Bank of Brookhaven, State Bankand Trustmark.

Each Friday one name will be drawn from the participatingmerchants, then the winner will be drawn from those names, with agrand prize drawing for $500 in Hometown Bucks on Dec. 12.

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Employees of THE DAILY LEADER and their families are noteligible to win. Employees of participating merchants may notregister at their respective business, but they may register at anyof the other participating business.