Page 16 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2020

COAST NOTE
SHOP LOCAL
for the Holidays story by Allie Watson
The holiday season is quickly approaching and while online shopping may seem easier, we urge you to consider the importance of shopping local.
Shopping locally doesn’t mean walling o the outside world, rather it means nurturing the businesses in your own backyard. These are the businesses that use our local resources sustainably, employ local workers and support the local community.
Since 1954, Luckies Furniture & Bedding Warehouse in Biloxi has been family-owned and operated. Luckies’ longest employed sta member has been with the business for 25 years. In addition, Luckies sees third and fourth-generation shoppers and particularly
enjoys connecting with the community and forming relationships with their customers.
Businesses like Luckies are the cornerstone of our community and are known for reinvesting into our own economy rather than nationally, as well as o ering a unique business character and historically better customer service. Our local businesses are relying on us this season, so keep them in mind during your holiday shopping.
HAPPY HOMESCHOOLING! story courtesy of Happy Homeschoolers of South Mississippi
The Happy Homeschoolers of South Mississippi Facebook group started in 2012 as an outlet for parents who homeschool their children to connect, provide support and encouragement for one another and seek advice. Now, the group is welcoming parents who are considering transitioning to homeschooling their children due to the ongoing global pandemic. The group, which has over 3,600 members, has added at least 1,000 new members in the last six months.
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“The typical concerns of a new parent are quite similar to my rst concerns 10 years ago, ‘Can I do it?’Where do I start? What about socialization? What curriculum do I use? What are the homeschool laws for my state?’” said Krystal Godard, who serves as administrator for the Facebook group. “In the Happy Homeschoolers group, we’re able to answer these questions and address other concerns.”
According to Godard, one of the goals of the Facebook group is to o er parents and children the opportunity to socialize. Administrators plan educational eld trips and share opportunities for recreational programs, scholarships, dual enrollment, local
events and more.
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