Jasper shares

THE FACES OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT - You know them from many different organizations, but on Friday, Dec. 21, they met at Jasper Share for these causes: Victor Williams, receiving a check for the Rowe school marquee; Donna Armstrong and Joe Lanier representing a the Senior Center; Willie Faye McFarland, chair of the Rainbow Room; Ann Smith, RSVP volunteer for Jasper Share food pantry; and Sandra Lopez and Lillie Weatherspoon with donations from Wal-Mart for each organization.Wal-Mart has also pledged to "adopt" the Rainbow Room for 2008.

The Jasper Share building was a flurry of holiday activity last Friday, and Vivian Snodgrass says it just doesn't stop this time of year. She's an RSVP volunteer at the food pantry in the back of the Baskins shopping center on U.S. 96.

"This week we had the Masonic Lodge from Brookeland challenge the Eastern Star to match their donations, and they brought in a huge load," Snodgrass said. "Everyday we see the generosity of Jasper County, with donations from Brookeshire's, Rayburn Baptist Church, the Bluebonnet club, more than I can name... The veterinary group, Fain and Smathers, chose to do a can donation instead of exchanging gifts.

Below: Ron Ducote unloads sacks of groceries collected by JHS Leos.

"We so much appreciate it and it is such a help to families this time of year," Snodgrass said. "I hope when people come here to drop off food, they see the good we do and they will remember us throughout the year, and maybe even come and volunteer their time."