PLUM Foundation to hold Hearts for Mothers event

The PLUM (Peace, Love, Understanding, Unity) Foundation is seeking donations for its annual program, "Hearts for Mothers.”

"Our mission is to help revitalize, redevelop, renovate and empower impoverished communities,'' said Howard C. Smith II, CEO and director of the foundation, which is based in West Memphis. "The Hearts for Mothers focuses on empowering, encouraging and educating local impoverished single mothers. We are partnering with local schools, colleges and ministries to identify 70 single mothers to supply them with food, clothes, personal care items, toiletries and more."

Smith said each mother selected for the program will also have to participate in a webinar providing them with information on self-care, acareer advancement, budgeting, investment opportunities, parenting and more.

"The webinar is going to be pre-recorded by each organization participating and we will upload it to our online platform for mothers to access at their leisure," added Smith. “After they have completed their viewing, they will be eligible to win a $250 gift card sponsored by Nineveh Ministries."

"There is a direct link between poverty and single parenting," said Smith. “According to the Center of American Progress, single-mother families are five times more likely to be impoverished, and these homes account for the majority of children living in poverty."

Smith also said the impact of mothers goes beyond what scientific research can gather.

"Our organization believes that by encouraging, educating and empowering local single mothers, it helps to end poverty and eradicate several social ills by developing a more fiscally and socially prosperous community," said Smith.

"We are asking that the community partner with us and help supply food boxes for these 70 single mothers," said Smith. "All in-kind donations are taxdeductible."

Smith said the deadline for donations will be Monday, Feb. 14, and that in-kind donations must be in its original packaging. Mothers from both St. Francis and Cross county will be served through he program.

Items the group is looking for include winter clothing such as scarves, hats, earmuffs, mittens and coats, personal hygiene items, including toiletries, and nonperishable food and meats.

Those selected for the program will be able to pick the boxes up around Feb. 19, according to Smith.

"If you know someone that can benefit from this program, please contact us at giving@plum4us.org," said Smith.

Katie West • Times-Herald Residents and businesses are having their yards worked on to prepare for spring. Above, a local tree trimming service clears limbs away from a power line at a local business.