Riverwalk Casino recently announced the beginning of its holiday-minded community outreach programs.

This will mark the third year for Riverwalk’s Annual Season of Giving. Riverwalk officials said they were ready to make 2024 even merrier with another big distribution of grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 cash.

Funds will be awarded at the grand finale Tuesday, Dec. 10. Local 501(c)(3) groups interested in receiving funds through the Season of Giving campaign can contact communityrelations@riverwalkvicksburg.com to receive a grant application or apply online at https://www.riverwalkvicksburg.com/community-relations/. Applications must be received by Riverwalk no later than Monday, Nov. 4.

Last year’s fundraiser generated $35,000 in grants for several local charitable organizations, including 5th Squad, a large group of local first responders and the Vicksburg Warren Youth Development Center.

“Receiving a Season of Giving grant from Riverwalk Casino was a moment of deep gratitude and excitement for our organization, 5th Squad, ” Lee Stringer, 5th Squad president and co-founder said. “The grant reinforced our commitment to supporting veterans in Mississippi, enabling us to extend crucial financial assistance to those in crisis.”

During last year’s event, Riverwalk also provided a savory Thanksgiving lunch and dinner for more than 100 First Responders.

“On behalf of the Vicksburg Fire Department, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for (Riverwalk’s) incredibly generous support during the Season of Giving,” Vicksburg Fire Chief Derrick Stamps said. “We sincerely appreciate your participation in both the 2022 turkey giveaway event and the 2023 sit-down meal. Your contributions have not gone unnoticed and have made a profound impact on the first responders in our community. Your kindness and generosity are truly valued.”

Another grant recipient was the Vicksburg Warren Youth Development Center.

“(Riverwalk’s) kindness and generosity are invaluable to us, and we are immensely grateful for your commitment to helping us better serve our youth. With supporters like Riverwalk by our side, we can continue our mission to help decrease youth violence, absenteeism and help families and youth access resources they need to live a productive life,” said Dr. Susie Calbert, executive director of the Vicksburg Warren Youth Development Center.

Riverwalk officials said there is nothing as rewarding as lending a helping hand during the holidays and thanked their guests who helped to make that possible through their participation in various promotions during the 2023 event.