Christmas Around the World Tour stopped by the Inverness Public Library last Thursday to deliver nearly 100 toys and snacks to children and teens.
Leronda Sibley, secretary at Lake Chapel M.B. Church and sponsor opened the tour by thanking everyone for coming and supporting the tour. She gave special thanks to Veronica Warren for organizing the event.
Sibley expressed special thanks to Attorney Gwendolyn Jimison, Sunflower County Road Department, Lake Chapel M.B. Church, and many others who donated their time and resources.
Children walked through the library, viewing Christmas scenery and large posters displaying how countries, including Switzerland, Germany, France, and Norway, celebrate Christmas. However, the primary focus was on the table with toys and gifts.
One parent said she was glad the community came together to help others. Donations gave her something to give her grandchildren since she no longer works, which helps.
“This means a lot to me. It is good to know that Inverness is not forgotten. This event shows me that people care - especially with the school closing. It shows that people do care,” according to one grandparent.
Warren stated that she can identify with struggling parents who want to see smiles on their children's faces for Christmas. She remembers how she was helped as a parent during this season.
"One to two gifts for Christmas donated to my children helped me a whole lot. Because of this, I give back to others," affirmed Warren.
Sibley added, “It’s a season of giving. I love helping out in the community- that’s what it’s all about.”
Sibley, Warren, and the Christmas tour sponsors and workers are looking forward to next year’s toy drive and plans to help make it bigger and better.
Warren welcomes more volunteers and sponsors. Please contact her for more information.
On Wednesday, children and families gathered at the Kathy June Sheriff Public Library in Moorhaed for the Second Annual Christmas Around the World Tour and Community Toy Drive.
Veronica Warren, assistant receiving clerk of Sunflower County, organized the event. Warren and volunteers passed out over 100 toys, gift bags, and refreshments to children of all ages.
Gail Brinston, the public service coordinator for Sunflower County Library Systems, opened the event by reading the story of How to Catch an Elf written by Adam Wallace and Allen Elkerton. Also, each child received a Christmas activity packet, including a paper bag puppet and Christmas emoji pictionary, provided by one of the event’s sponsors, Sunflower County Library Systems.
A similar event organized by Warren will be held Thursday at the Inverness Public Library at 3:00 p.m.
Warren stated that the event had many sponsors. She thanks Sunflower County Road Department, Fortune Brothers Men Group, No Limit Men’s Group, Leronda Sibley, Attorney Gwendolyn Jimison, and many others.
Warren stated that this event is possible because of generous donors, workers, and supporters.
