Tribe hosting annual fruit drive Dec. 8

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians will once again host the traditional Christmas Fruit Bag Drive on Thursday, Dec. 8. 

Tribal member Terrence Kinsolving, co-coordinator of the drive this year, said the bag distribution is from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m and is open to all Tribal members. 

Kinsolving said the drive is a tradition that’s been around long before he got involved. 

“The Tribe does this every year at Christmas to give a little something to Tribal members to show appreciation,” Kinsolving said. “It's always been something similar to what we are giving out this year, a gift from the Tribe to the Tribal members. Back then they gave out things like candy, specifically peppermint, fruit like apples and oranges, and nuts, so we wanted to keep that tradition going.” 

The bags this year will include different kinds of fruit along with candy. 

Community residents may pick up fruit bags at the respective community facility buildings at Bogue Chitto, Bogue Homa, Conehatta, Crystal Ridge, Red Water, Standing Pine, Tucker, and Henning, TN, 

Pearl River Community residents and those living off reservation may pick up a fruit bag at the Silver Star Convention Center parking lot. 

“I feel honored to carry on this tradition,” Kinsolving said. “This is my first time doing it. We give big thanks to Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben for keeping this tradition alive. I know we all look forward to this.” 

For more information about the drive, contact Kinsolving at (601) 504-2203.