Watts started a coat drive to help provide jackets for kids

Vicksburg native Mason Watts discovered his Christmas spirit by creating “Mason’s Closet” which provided many jackets and coats for kids in need.

Watts mentioned that he came up with this idea after remembering how it was seeing other kids just wearing their short-sleeved uniforms while others had jackets.

Bubba Nettles and Mason Watts

After coming up with this idea, Watts decided to reach out to the Vicksburg-Warren School District where Dr. Magee put him in touch with Bowmar Elementary Principal Jason Bennett. Mr. Bennett was excited to hear about the project as well as teacher Mary Quinn DeRossette. That connection helped setup donation boxes at Bowmar while Bubba Nettles(St. Al) and Carolyn Bradley (River City Early College) helped expand the project to other schools.

Mason Watts and Carolyn Bradley

Dayatra Walker, with the Haven House was also contacted and received three 30-gallon totes of coats and jackets for women and children. Wells & LaHatte donated boxes to hold the items at the school and Bomar received two large totes of jackets and coats plus a few extra items for the students.

The first year of this project turned out successful as Watts helped provide each location with various amount of items. He now plans on spreading the word about this coat drive and having this project get larger every year so that any child who is in need of a jacket will be able to receive one with the help of the community who donated the items.