Since 2003, Belk Department Store has been an active supporter of the Natchez-Adams County Habitat for Humanity affiliate. Mary Flach, store manager, approached Habitat with the idea of Belk helping to build homes in Natchez; the theme of the project was “Home is Where the Heart is.”

Since that time Belk has raised more than $90,000; this money went directly to Habitat which used the funds for construction of 6 new homes. Belk solicited sponsors for the annual charity day sale and Habitat (as well as other non profits including churches and schools) sold tickets for $5 to attend the event. Each charity is allowed to keep the proceeds of the ticket sales.

Some of the major sponsors in recent years include the following: Isle of Capri, Natchez Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital, Belk, Concordia Bank & Trust, United Mississippi Bank, Britton & Koontz Bank, Delta Bank, Regions Bank, Callon Petroleum, Entergy, Progressive Solutions, Energy Drilling, Jefferson Street United Methodist Church, Stedman Realty, T.G. McCary Photography, Pilot Club, Monmouth Plantation, Natchez Sports Rehab, Natchez Mall, Home Hardware, Stine Lumber Company, Anruss Salon, Morton’s Flowerland, Stuart Heflin State Farm, Dianne’s Frame Shop, Ferriday Chamber of Commerce, and Mammy’s Cupboard. Other organizations, The Natchez Democrat, 107 The River, Wesley Bruce Video and Comcast, made in kind donations. New businesses are getting on board this year. To each of you, Habitat says thanks and encourages residents of the Miss-Lou to support these businesses.

Now Habitat is ready to build another home (No. 13 for Habitat and No. 7 supported by Belk) and Belk is holding another charity day sale from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. The sale offers 20-50 percent off storewide and includes special savings on rarely discounted brands. Tickets to the sales event are $5 each and can be purchased at the door or from many charities and schools who are out selling them to raise money for their own use.

Please plan to attend the special sales event at Belk and support your favorite charity at the same time. Should you wish to contribute to Habitat, please contact Mary Flach, Natchez Belk Store Manager at 601-442-5559 or e-mail her at mary_flach@belk.com.

Duncan McFarlane is the secretary/treasurer of Habitat for Humanity.