A first visit to a Brookhaven store made Ronda Stewart of McComb$100 richer this week.

Stewart, an employee of Clark Construction of McComb, was thethird winner of $100 in Hometown Bucks during The DAILY LEADER’sannual Hometown Christmas promotion after she placed an entry whileshopping at Sisters By Design.

“That was the first time I had actually been there,” Stewartsaid. “I’ll probably be going back. I love that store.”

The money never left the store after she received it, Stewartsaid. She bought gifts and a few items for herself.

Stewart, the wife of Robbie Stewart and mother of twinsChristopher and Matthew, 13, and Mattie, 7, said Sisters By Designwas the only store where she had placed an entry.

The $100 in Hometown Bucks can be spent at any of the merchantsparticipating in the promotion. Participating merchants this yearinclude:

* Gad’s

* Harvey Electronics

* Bertha’s Flower Shop

* Celebrations

* Bank of Brookhaven

* Furniture Factory Outlet

* Millane’s

* Betty Ann’s

* Sisters By Design

* State Bank

* T.H. Perkins Furniture Co.

* Trustmark Bank

Forms and boxes have been placed at each merchant location forshoppers to submit entries. Residents may register at the banks butmay not spend their winnings there. Participants must be at least18 years old to enter.

Every week during the contest, one name is drawn from eachparticipating merchant. From those, one name is drawn for theweekly $100 prize.

All entries are saved and at the end of the contest on Dec. 16,the $500 grand prize winner is drawn.