Over 80 decorated cars, trucks, bikes, motorcycles, horses and other vehicles passed by the Jefferson Davis Community Hospital Extended Care Facility in a parade for the residents on May 26.

The parade was coordinated by the Prentiss NAACP and was an enormous hit.

The community rallied together to show love and support to the residents and workers of the facility. “I really enjoyed it, I couldn’t get over the number of people who participated,” said resident Jimmie Layne Brinson. She along with many other residents were treated to horn honking, waves, balloons and signs.

Each worker received a gift from the NAACP as a show of love for all they do each day.

With May being Older Americans’ Month, it was an appropriate occasion to sponsor the event.

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, residents of the ECF have not had visits from their loved ones.

Members of the community, as well as organizations and family members of the residents, were eager to join in once the word spread that there was going to be a love parade. Vehicles were filled with children, grandchildren, great-grands, spouses and friends of the residents.

“It was the most heartfelt thing I have seen,” said ECF Administrator Nick Davis.

“The residents and staff were touched and we now know for sure the community appreciates the work that we do here.”

“It was fantastic and such an outpouring of love. I personally was moved to tears.”

“I want to thank Mr. Davis, Wanda Hamilton and Prentiss Mayor Charley Dumas for accepting the idea to have the Love Parade,” said local NAACP president Lucy McInnis.

“I also want to thank each and every person who participated along with the Prentiss Police Department and Jefferson Davis County Sheriff’s Department who led us off.”

Organizers of the parade hope to make this an annual event.

“This would be another opportunity to show America, people always come together when love is the center.”