Setting up shop in this bustling part of the Mississippi State Capitol, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation’s State Women’s Leadership Committee sets their sights on any and all state legislators they can speak to about the importance of agriculture.

But they don’t come empty handed, the committee shows their appreciation with a gift. But, they aren’t afraid to be the voice of agriculture when speaking to these men and women who affect policy on our farmers, rancher, and members. This is also the day the State Women’s Leadership Committee makes a special visit to the Ronald McDonald House of Mississippi, a tradition of over 30 years.

“Very emotional, but very thankful to our counties across the state and to our women’s chairs for jumping on this project in helping us raise $11,000,” said Betty Mills, MFBF State Women’s Leadership Committee Chair.

Donations are collected by each of the 82 county Farm Bureau women’s committees along with supplies. On this day, Farm Bureau women out did themselves. This was the largest monetary donation in the history of this relationship.

“You never know if your family or your colleague, or your friend, will have to come to Ronald McDonald House with their child,” said Ruth Ann Allen, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mississippi Executive Director. “We only have one children’s medical center in the state. This is where they come for their specialized treatment.”

Ronald McDonald Houses across the country give families of children with serious illness a home away from home. For committee members, it means neighbors helping neighbors.

“If you’ve ever been here when the families were here and would hear their stories, and we adopted them like family when we were doing the lunches for them,” said Mills.  “It’s very emotional, and it tells us that we’ve got to carry this program on for years to come.”

“After Covid, there are more families coming in because they were probably putting off medical procedures for their children.  Seeing a lot more families from across the state, which is always special because that’s where Farm Bureau is located,” said Allen.  “The Women’s Committee does a fantastic job and it reaches back to their own communities.  There are so many ladies that know families who have stayed here and that was the most special thing about it.”