Throughout my high school experience and this semester in college, I volunteered through the First United Methodist church in Poplarville, Mississippi, for the organization, Backpack Buddies of Poplarville, Inc. This organization collects, organizes and distributes a weekly supply of food and toiletries to less fortunate students. The deliveries are discrete so that no student gets embarrassed or bullied. Backpack Buddies provides for children in the lower, upper, middle, and high school in Poplarville. Recently we have also provided students with Christmas gifts customized to their age groups. It brought me such joy to make a change in people’s lives, and I will always hold this organization close to my heart and help whenever I can.

If you would like to volunteer near Hattiesburg, Poplarville is only 40 minutes away. For more information email carolwilliams6@gmail.com.

Harper Pearson is a freshman Luckyday Scholar majoring in biological sciences.

Backpack Buddies of Poplarville, Inc. is a stand alone organization. Other backpack programs are in place around the country. Information on programs in Mississippi can be found on the Mississippi Food Network website.