What is Ruritan? Ruritan is a national organization dedicated to improving communities and building a better America through fellowship, goodwill and community service programs.

Why support Ruritan? Ruritan’s purpose is to create a unified relationship among people while improving volunteer programs which promote healthy living and working atmospheres.

The River City Sweepers is a local Chapter of Ruritan. The newly elected Zone Governor is Ms. Ella Davis, who replaced Mrs. Arella Bacon.

The members of The River City Sweepers Club will be promoting Ruritan Awareness Day in the Natchez Mall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nov. 3. They will be collecting items to donate to the following organizations:

– The Stewpot — Canned goods

– The Humane Society — The items requested are Purina puppy and kitten food, Purina cat and dog food, and canned dog, cat and kitten food.

– The Guardian Shelter for Battered Women — The items requested are towels, shampoo, hair spray, irons, kids books and sheets for battered families.

A Nurses’ Station will be available for nurses to conduct blood pressure and diabetes testing and provide handouts on health related topics.

Ruritans’ District Governor, W.W. Johnson of Dublin, Va., will be available to answer questions about the organization and encourage membership enrollment. In addition, the Morgantown Elementary School Caring and Sharing Angels will be available for special entertainment.

River City Sweepers members are requesting help from any individuals, church or organization. If you are interested in providing your support but are unable to attend the Ruritan Awareness Day, please call Mr. Wilbur Johnson at 601-445-5013 or e-mail Lillian Johnson at lbjcitysweepers@yahoo.com.

Please come out and show your support for our community.

Lillian B. Johnson is the president of River City Sweepers and is a teacher at Morgantown School.