Jackson Free Press

Kathy Clem, executive director of The Good Samaritan Center, is working tirelessly until Christmas to make sure needy families in Jackson will receive gifts this holiday season. Clem, 48, has worked at the center for 25 years, and says there are still 120 children signed up the organization's Santa's Stocking program who are waiting for their wish list to be filled.

Currently the organization is seeking monetary or toy donations for the children and teenagers up to age 16. "We have gotten some money, but we still don't have all the money we need," Clem said. "We will be giving out gifts next week so it's still not too late to make a donation."

In addition to the Santa's Stocking program the center will be giving out holiday food baskets to low-income families.

The Good Samaritan Center provides year-round services including financial assistance, counseling services, clothing, food and job assistance.

"I love what Good Sam does and I believe in what we do here," Clem says. "We are a progressive non-profit; we take people who have a crisis situations and make long-term positive changes."

Clem moved to Jackson From Gainesville, Fla. in 1979. She graduated from Belhaven College with a business degree and currently lives in Fondren.

To donate, call 601-355-6276 or visit the Good Samaritan Web site to make a donation through PayPal.