Christmas Comes Early for Kids in Need

It may be getting colder outside, but a holiday program helping Jackson County children in need may warm you heart. Starting as one Pascagoula man’s dream, Visions of Sugarplums is sharing the gift of giving and joy for families who need a little help this Christmas.
He’s usually wearing red, has rosy cheeks and a big white beard, but Santa Claus came in a different form and early for some South Mississippi kids this year. Much like Santa, a Pascagoula business owner started Visions of Sugar Plums, an annual program that makes sure there are presents in the shopping carts and under the tree on Christmas. Eight-year-old Pascagoula resident Jamacih Miller said, “What’s special about today is all the kids here get to go buy them a gift for their parents and their mom and dad or grandparents for Christmas.”
The Pascagoula School District, city and businesses teamed up to take 24 kids shopping at Wal-Mart. It was the first time Catherina and Dorian Johnson have gone Christmas shopping. (How do you think your little brother and your mom will feel when they open their presents this year?) “Happy because I got them something special,” said Catherina.
Dorian decided perfume and make-up will be his mom’s present. “I got that because she is a grown lady and she can use it.”
Owner of Turf Masters Lawn Care Steve Jordan says he and his wife fill with joy watching the kids shop for Christmas. “They’re always so appreciative and we’re certainly thankful for the blessings we’ve had bestowed upon us and this is God’s blessing and just what we feel like we should do.”
Each child was given $300 and they were told they could put anything in the cart, but the shopping spree had one restriction. “They have to buy something for somebody else that way they get to experience the joy of giving,” said Jordan.
The day leaving carts as full as the hearts of the little shoppers who now have a new mindset about the holiday. “Always never think Christmas is just about opening gifts. It’s always about spending time with your family and being thankful for what you get from Santa,” said Jamacih.