Home for the Holidays Christmas Celebration
Homes for the Holidays: Celebrating Family, Faith, and the Spirit of Giving
The annual Homes for the Holidays Christmas Celebration held December 13th at the Jackson Medical Mall Community Room brought together children, families, community partners, and supporters for an afternoon rooted in joy, gratitude, and connection. This cherished tradition ensures children receive sponsored gifts while families are celebrated, uplifted, and reminded that they are not alone during the holiday season.
Families in attendance represented participants from all programs and services, including Adoption, Counseling, Help Me Grow, RROC (Relatives Raising Others’ Children), and Respite Services, reflecting the comprehensive, family-centered support provided throughout the year.
From the moment families arrived, excitement filled the space. Photos with Santa, generously provided by the Good Men Golf Association, created lasting memories and set a festive tone for the celebration.
A Program Filled with Meaning
The program opened with Welcome & Acknowledgements from Atmos Energy and the Good Men Golf Association, recognizing the collective effort that makes this event possible and reaffirming a shared commitment to supporting children and families in our community.
A heartfelt Prayer was offered by Mable Hudson, a kinship caregiver and member of RROC (Relatives Raising Others’ Children). Her words reflected the lived experiences of caregivers raising children with love, resilience, and faith.
The audience was moved by a Song/Spoken Word performance by Ellis Coleman, a student at Tougaloo College, whose expression captured the emotional depth and hope of the season.
During Words from the Heart, Ona Ray, a kinship caregiver and RROC member, shared reflections that resonated deeply with families and guests alike. Her message of perseverance, love, and service highlighted the strength found within kinship families.
A meaningful highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the Spirit of Christmas Award, given to Ona Ray in recognition of her unwavering dedication to Mississippi Families for Kids (MFFK)—even while navigating personal challenges. Her commitment embodies the true spirit of the season: showing up for others with compassion and grace.
Joy, Music, and Celebration
Laughter and participation filled the room during the 12 Days of Christmas sing-along, led by Outreach Coordinator Taryn McDonald, bringing families together in shared joy.
The celebration continued with Soul Train Songs, led by Grace West, Developmental Screening Specialist, encouraging movement, fun, and connection across generations.
The program concluded with Closing Remarks by Event Coordinator Desiree States, followed by giveaways generously provided by the Jackson, MS Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., sending families home with smiles and holiday cheer.
With Gratitude to Our Sponsors
Homes for the Holidays would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors, community partners, and individual supporters who stepped forward to sponsor gifts and support families across Jackson and Bolivar County. Their collective kindness ensured that 120 children and their families felt seen, valued, and celebrated this Christmas.
More Than an Event
Homes for the Holidays is more than a Christmas celebration. It is a reflection of what happens when community, compassion, and commitment come together. By bringing together families across adoption, mental health, early childhood development, kinship care, and respite services, this event reinforces the importance of holistic, relationship-centered support.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to every sponsor, volunteer, caregiver, and family who made this celebration possible. Together, we continue to create moments of joy, dignity, and hope during the holidays and throughout the year.
With Sincere Thanks to Our Sponsors
Homes for the Holidays was made possible through the generosity and partnership of individuals, businesses, and organizations who stepped forward to sponsor children, support families, and invest in our community. Their contributions ensured that 120 children in Jackson and Bolivar County experienced a meaningful and joy-filled holiday season.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the following sponsors and supporters:
Good Men Golf Association
Atmos Energy
Wendy’s / Carlisle Corporation
Coco’s Cooking Soulfood
Eaton Charitable Foundation
Harmony Court
U.S. Appliance
Jackson Association of Black Social Workers
Mississippi Association for Infant Mental Health
AED Services
Jackson-Hinds Rust College Alumni Chapter
Jackson MS Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
We also thank the many individuals whose generosity made this celebration possible:
Wendy Hutchins, LaToya Crook, the Family of Nikaela Thomas, Peggy & Robbin Jeter, Nadeane Cattrell, Larry Leggett, Attorney Willie Abston, Sylvester Houston, Jin Harris, Crystal Martin, Regina Lacking, Lee Esther Butler, Patrick Phillips, Madison Preschool, Lake Village Childcare, Manisha Chatlani, Andy Case, Lisa Smith, Hollie Jeffery, Lisa Long, Catherine Apfel, James & magnolia Turner, David Mouck, Rodney Washington, Kenny W. Jones, Mickea Randle, Dusty Haley, Neely Morrison, Shelia Thomas, John A. Mitchell, Pam Anderson, Robert West, Jr., Yolanda Wilson, Shun Hatten, Greg Odom, Mary Manogin, Hays Collins, Addy Keith, Adam Coker, Heather Hannah, and Phyllis Gaylor.
Your generosity helped create a space where families felt welcomed, children felt celebrated, and the true spirit of the season was brought to life.
Click here for Photos of the event.