By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
Aug. 4, 2002
United Way of East Mississippi will be distributing school supplies for students on Tuesday through its "Operation SOS" (Supply Our Students) campaign.
Every year, many children in this area start school with no supplies, according to Louis Sutton, president and chief professional officer of United Way of East Mississippi.
He said the campaign, begun locally last year, helps to start school children out on an even plane and raises their self-esteem, which in turn helps them in the learning process.
Collection boxes for school supplies were set up at several locations in July. On Tuesday supplies will be distributed to Meridian and Lauderdale County schools between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. from the United Way of East Mississippi office at 2003 23rd Ave., Wesley House, 1520 Eighth Ave., and the Salvation Army, 120 Sixth Avenue.
Cash donations for the program may be mailed to United Way of East Mississippi, P.O. Box 5376 Meridian, MS 39302. Mark the donation "Operation SOS." For more information, call James Harrison, campaign and communications director of United Way of East Mississippi, at (601) 693-2732.
Sutton and Betty Lou Jones, fund-raising campaign chair and chairman-elect of United Way of East Mississippi, explained the "Operation SOS" campaign and other United Way projects during an editorial board meeting with The Meridian Star on Friday.
The organization's Pace-Setter campaign has now begun and the official kick-off of this year's fund-raising campaign is scheduled to begin Sept. 17. The interview with Sutton and Jones will appear in the Monday edition of The Meridian Star.