WOW gives back to first responders in remembrance of 9/11

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)- The Women of Wisdom hosted their seventh annual Honor First Responders event along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, a moving tribute to the heroes who protect our communities.

Across Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties WOW Women of Wisdom made sure first responders felt recognized and valued on a day that is heavy for so many.

With the help of over 75 volunteers and donations from local businesses and sponsors over 1,000 first responders received meals, refreshments, giftbags, and handmade thank you notes from local students to show appreciation for everything they do in our communities.

WOW Community Liaison and Event Organizer Bridget Turan said she hopes this event continues to grow. “This event began seven years ago. We are honoring our first responders in recognition of 9/11. This event actually started with only one fire department. Today, seven years later, we are actually serving 33 departments across the Coast. We are serving in Harrison, Hancock, and Jackson counties. It equates to 13 cities, three counties. If we were delivering to all stations, it would be 91 stations that we are serving today. It is almost 1,110 first responders in fire and police. This year, we added our K9 friends.”