As cool weather creeps into the air, many Miss-Lou residents begin thinking of an annual fall event — Halloween. Cindy Idom is one of those people.

As a member of the Junior Auxiliary of Natchez, Idom is the chairman of the chapter’s Halloween committee.

For the last three years, the JA chapter has hosted a halloween party for the Guardian and Sunshine shelters, which are homes for abused or neglected children and families.

Idom said she looks upon the activity as &uot;adding some joy for the moment&uot; for these children. &uot;The best part is seeing the smiles on the children’s faces,&uot; she said. &uot;They will run and hug you between each treat.&uot;

This year’s event will take place Saturday, Oct. 28, and include carnival games and refreshments.

&uot;My whole life has been children,&uot; said Idom who is the assistant principal of McLaurin Elementary. Idom has also helped with other J.A. activities including the annual shrimp boil, volunteering at the Sunshine Shelter, the Angel Tree Christmas gift collection and the chapter’s 5K run. She also has served as the corresponding secretary as well as chairman of several projects.

Idom thinks the Junior Auxiliary plays a crucial role in &uot;meeting the needs&uot; of children in the Miss-Lou. &uot;So many of them … are not getting what my own children received growing up,&uot; Idom said. &uot;I’m just fortunate at this time in my life, I’m able to give all this time to them.&uot;