Local charities create “Forest of Dreams” at Mississippi Aquarium

Mississippi Aquarium is lighting up the season with a “forest of dreams” to help local organizations.

The aquarium has partnered with United Way of South Mississippi to create a forest of Christmas trees that highlight 15 charities on the Gulf Coast.

Mississippi Power also sponsored the festive display.

Organizations decorate each tree to showcase their outreach and inform visitors about the local organizations available to them.

Visitors can vote on their favorite tree by donating to the charity.

The trees have served as a way to reach out to a bigger audience…

“The story behind each tree is what’s really important, and it’s a way to showcase these organizations to the people who come to the coast and visit,” said President and CEO of Mississippi Aquarium Kurt Allen.

“When you learn a little about the agencies, people say all the time ‘Oh my gosh, I didn’t know we had all those resources in our community for people,’” said CEO of United Way of South Mississippi Kathy Springer. “And I say this all the time: it is not a sin to ask for help. And that’s what they do. They help.”

The tree with the largest donation will be crowned the winner and receive bragging rights. So, get out and vote for your favorite! The last day is December 31st.