ELLISVILLE – For more than 13 years Jones College’s Christmas with the Arts patrons have generously provided hundreds of new toys for the Salvation Army Toy Drive and this year’s donations will provide an extra bonus for recipients. Thanks to the generous support of the community, Salvation Army Captain Keisha McMullin said these gifts will ensure everyone has a few bonus gifts this year.
“We have 150 Angel Tree families with 390 children receiving at least three gifts. Jones College’s toy drive always ensures we have enough to fill the gap but this year, these donations will allow us to give a little bonus to the kids because everyone was adopted this year!” McMullin shared excitedly.
This year, the toy donations allowed patrons a discount on the price of a ticket to see the annual Jones College Christmas program featuring the Concert Choir, Jones OnStage, JC Jazz Band, the Touch of Gold dance team and the small vocal groups Selah and Nova Voce. Additionally, two students, Isaac and Titus Crouch joined piano instructors, Dr. Victoria Johnson and Dr. Theresa Sanchez for piano quartet on four Steinway Grand Pianos.
Salvation Army representatives said they appreciate Jones College, faculty, staff, students and the community members who donate toys. There’s more to smile about when we distribute these toys.
“This is my favorite program of all because I was an Angel Tree recipient, and I know personally how special is to receive from this program,” said McMillian. “Now, I’m helping to ensure others have something to smile about on Christmas morning. We are so thankful for what the college and community do to help every year with this program. We love doing the ‘most good’ for the community, which serves as a blessing to so many people because of the generosity of others.”
The new unwrapped toys will be distributed on Monday, December 22, to the families who signed up for the program, who have children needing a little Christmas joy. Necessities and Christmas gifts are provided for disadvantaged children from infants to age 12, through the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program in Jones, Jasper, Wayne, Clarke, Smith and Simpson counties. For more information about the Angel Tree project, go to https://salvationarmyalm.org/
For more information, call the Jones College of Art, Music and Performance Office at 601-477-4203 or follow Jones College Art, Music and Performance Facebook Page and “X” or Twitter.