One of the biggest events that happened in Jeff Davis County, in 2013 – in terms of numbers of people in attendance – grew out of the purposeful, volunteer work of “Unity in the Community,” a group that promotes civic participation and pride throughout the county.

“Unity’s” Independence Day fireworks show, held in the Longleaf Trace Gateway Park, in Prentiss last 4th of July, attracted so many people that, by some accounts, it was the largest turnout of any event the county has seen in 40 years. People of all ages came out to watch the professional fireworks display, and enjoyed free watermelon, fun and games.

Although “Unity” did not sponsor the local celebration of Mission Mississippi’s 20th anniversary “Glowing for Christ” campaign, the presence of its supporters at that event, held in August of 2013, in Prentiss’ Gateway Park, helped to account for over 100 participants. The campaign concluded in Jackson on Oct. 27th, and “Unity” supporters were there to represent Jeff Davis County.

Unity’s other accomplishments in 2013 included:

Winter

•  Marched in Martin Luther King Parade, in Bassfield;

Spring

•  Picked up trash along highways in Bassfield, Carson and Prentiss;

•  Assisted at all posts of the Run for the Roses 5K Walk/Run;

•  Sponsored a free concert by the Pearl River Community College Jazz Band, which was held in the gymnasium at J.E. Johnson Elementary.

Summer

•  Hosted ”Unity in the Park,” in Bassfield, with grills fired up offering free hamburgers and chips, along with positive fellowship;

Fall

•  Gave out school supplies in Carson to parents, students and teachers representing all five schools in the county, and some home-schooled and college students, as well. Free hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks to all that participated;

•  To show support for both of our high schools, at the Prentiss vs. Bassfield football game, we tailgated, while giving away free drinks and sandwiches to band members, cheerleaders and fans;

•  Gave out Thanksgiving baskets with all the fixings for a Thanksgiving feast to selected families in all 5 beats of JDC;

•  Partnered with JDC Sheriff’s Dept. with a Christmas food drive.

•  Visited veterans home in Collins, and shared a Christmas gift with each of 150 residents, along with a few Christmas carols;

•  Began monthly gatherings at the flagpole, in front of the JDC Courthouse, to pray for productive and positive change toward unity and growth for our citizens, elected officials and leaders.

Supporters of “Unity in the Community” thank all those who have helped make its events successful.

Participation in the group is open to every resident of Jeff Davis County. Organized in 2012 to bring more people in all areas of Jeff Davis County together as one county community, supporters have been continuously meeting on the first Thursday of the month, starting at 5:00 p.m., at the courthouse.

In 2014, the group will mark its second year as a viable organization that is influencing positive change in the county. Supporters have set a date of Sat., March 22, 2014, as its second annual county-wide cleanup.