GCCF awards Velkas grants focused on children’s well-being in Harrison, Hancock counties
GULFPORT, MS (June 26, 2025) — Four Mississippi Gulf Coast nonprofits have been awarded a total of $40,125 from the John T. and Lois R. “Sonny” Velkas Child Welfare Fund, a fund of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF). This fund supports programs focused on the welfare and well-being of children in Hancock and Harrison counties.
CASA of South Mississippi received funding for its CASA Child Well-Being Project: School Supplies project, which will provide backpacks filled with age-appropriate supplies to 135 foster children in the two-county region.
Magnolia Medical Foundation was awarded a grant for its Community Diaper Pantry project, which will distribute approximately 30,000 diapers to 175 low-income families.
Triumph Church of Gulfport will use its grant to implement Feeding the Seed, a program that provides nutritious meals to children during weekends and school breaks.
United Way of South Mississippi received support for the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, an early-literacy program that mails a free book every month to children from birth to age 5.
“Each of these programs is making a meaningful difference for children in our coastal communities,” said Dr. Christen Duhé, president and executive director of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. “This fund continues to honor the legacy of John T. and Lois R. ‘Sonny’ Velkas by supporting initiatives that put children’s well-being first.”
Grants awarded by GCCF are made possible by generous donors. To donate to an existing fund or to establish a new fund, visit mgccf.org, email info@mgccf.org or call 228-897-4841. Donations of $1,000+ may qualify for a 25 percent state tax credit through the Endow Mississippi Program.
About Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Gulf Coast Community Foundation is a nonprofit public charity that has been serving the people of South Mississippi since 1989. GCCF’s primary mission is to increase philanthropy by assisting donors in establishing endowments and legacy giving plans, making grants to worthy causes, and providing leadership in response to the community’s changing needs. Over the years, GCCF has been a leader in addressing the most pressing needs in the community, from disaster relief and recovery to supporting education and child welfare initiatives. To learn more, visit www.mgccf.org.