By Emily Williams
For her first visit to the West Homewood Farmer’s Market, Weezie’s Candy Emporium owner Marcy Miller shared a little something extra.
Miller is partnering with 2017 Miss Homewood Teen USA Ireland “Grace” Hendrix, a senior at Evangel Christian School, on an Education Supply Drive for the Livingston Parish Public School system in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Because the school and many of the students’ homes and possessions recently were destroyed by flooding, Hendrix and Miller have coordinated a school supply drive with guidance from the school system’s superintendent and Miss Baton Rouge Teen USA.
“When I was growing up in Greenville, Mississippi, about the
spring before kindergarten, a tornado landed on our house and destroyed it,” Miller said. “So, I have an idea of what it’s like to lose absolutely everything just as these kids in Baton Rouge have.”
Children are also a passion of Miller’s and the reason she entered the candy business.
“That’s my love,” she said. “I love kids and I knew I wanted to do something in my life where I worked with kids and provided them with happy memories and gifts.”
One of her favorite things about owning the candy store in Edgewood is that the location is walkable for many kids and provides a safe and positive environment where kids can hang out.
Miller received a letter from the Livingston Parish superintendent that lists items the school needs most, which is a little bit of everything. Among the items requested were school supplies, health and hygiene items and cleaning supplies.
“One thing that they really need is school uniforms,” Miller added. “These kids have lost everything and have little to wear in general let alone a uniform.” The Livingston schools’ uniform can be found at lpsb.org.
In addition to donations, Miller’s store is selling $1 Smarties candy bags, with all proceeds going to the school.
The drive originally was planned to conclude Sept. 4, but the school’s inability to store donations will most likely lead to an extension. Miller expects the drive to continue for at least one week more, if not longer.
For more information on the drive, visit weeziescandy.com and follow the “candy” link on the homepage.
