Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Home Instead (a Pine Belt organization) in Hattiesburg is celebrating its 17th year of wrapping Christmas gifts for seniors in nursing homes and hospice groups.

The gifts will be distributed the week before and during Christmas.

The Hattiesburg Salvation Army distributed food and gifts to over 200 families and 100 senior citizens on Wednesday morning at its Highway 49 headquarters — volunteers from Camp Shelby helped deliver gifts to more than 500 children.

Lumberton Elementary School invites local residents to donate new or gently used coats, hats, socks, underwear and essential supplies to enrich its Care Closet — donations, including monetary contributions, are to be dropped off at the front office.

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced nearly $1 million in grants from the Victims of Human Trafficking (and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Fund) to eight organizations aiding trafficking victims, which brings total funding to $9.5 million since 2020.

Blood shortages leave centers urging donations to help patients this holiday season.

Donors at the Hattiesburg center by Dec. 22 enter a raffle while Vitalant hosts a blood drive at Turtle Creek Mall on Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Dec. 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mosquito expert Jerome Goddard at MSU Extension said some species stay active during brief warm spells in winter and may bite if temperatures rise above 50°F + residents can reduce risks by removing standing water and covering up.

Ole Miss coach Joe Judge praised Austin Simmons for his professionalism after an ankle injury led to his benching, noting that he remains an important teammate.

Division II transfer Trinidad Chambliss now starts as quarterback, and the Rebels will face Tulane on Dec. 20 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

Ragin' Cajuns at Golden Eagles Women's Basketball

7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Reed Green Coliseum — Cost info not available — Southern Miss faces off against Louisiana-Lafayette in a competitive Sun Belt matchup.

The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company

7-8:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Tickets required — Experience the magic of Christmas with a stunning ballet performance featuring Tchaikovsky's beloved score.

World Ballet Company - The Nutcracker

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Tickets available — Experience a magical holiday classic with breathtaking performances and enchanting storytelling.

Hattiesburg Renaissance Festival

12:00 – 11:30 p.m. — SwitchYard — $15 – $20 — Experience the magic of medieval celebration with crafts, music, and festivities in the heart of Hattiesburg.