Events
COVID claims Jamming for the Kids concert but the needs will be met
2020 would be the 23rd year for the Jamming for the Kids concert. Unfortunately, organizers feel that the risk is too great to hold the event this year.
“I can’t in good conscience go forward with the event, so many of our regular attendees are in the age group that puts them most at risk,” event organizer Kemper Ehrhardt said on Friday. “We had the largest event in our history last year and planned on moving from the Country Club to Levee Street Warehouse because we had outgrown that venue.”
But Ehrhardt went on to say the need in our community still exists and many longtime supporters have already committed to supporting the cause. The event was created to bring Christmas to children whose parents are incarcerated as well as those in the custody of Children’s Protective Services.
Ernie Hall, who serves as director of River City Rescue Mission, has also been chaplain at the Warren County Jail for the past 17 years. Hall says that there are also children that his group services throughout the year that “fall through the cracks” of other agencies and programs. Hall and his agency act as stewards of the money collected.
Most years, around 350 children from infants to age 18 benefit from the program. The coronavirus pandemic that has impacted so many families this years means that needs could even greater this holiday season.
Sheriff Martin Pace and his team of elves go shopping for many of the children and deliver the presents. Hall sees that the remaining children receive age appropriate gifts. Ehrhardt said that arrangements are being made to have drop off locations for those who wish to donate new unwrapped toys.
If you would like to contribute financially you can do so by visiting RiverCityRescueMission.org or you can drop off your toys or donations at the River City Rescue Mission at 3705 Washington St.
For more information contact Ernie at (601) 636-6602.
Also, please remember that River City Rescue Mission needs the community’s support for both feeding the less fortunate during both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Donations of turkeys and fixings for both meals and food boxes would be greatly appreciated.