In a large room, in the midst of great companies, organizations and volunteers, it was an honor to receive an award from the United Way of West Central Mississippi on behalf of The Vicksburg Post.
For those who work in the newspaper business, it is a little uncomfortable to be at the front of a community event accepting an award; it is something we are far more comfortable covering for the newspaper.
But, if there was an ever an event — or organization — that could truly humble you with an award, it is the United Way.
During Thursday’s annual United Way banquet, held at the Vicksburg Convention Center, The Vicksburg Post was presented the “Spirit of Vicksburg Award,” for not only the financial support given by the newspaper and its staff, but the coverage our news department has given the United Way and its 22 partner agencies.
The Vicksburg Post has a long history of supported the local United Way. The contributions made and organized by the Cashman family were substantial, even donating to the United Way the previous Post building in downtown.
It is that history of support to the United Way and other organizations, which we proudly carry on today and something I strongly encourage.
For more than 130 years, The Vicksburg Post has been a proud member of the Vicksburg and Warren Community and it is important to me — important to us — that we have an active role in programs and organizations that go to help support and build Vicksburg and Warren County.
In presenting the award Thursday, Kristen Meehan, United Way Director of Marketing and Community Relations, said “ The Vicksburg Post embodies the meaning of the “Spirit of Vicksburg” award. By their continued efforts to support our organization, even when they did not have to, we appreciate how they have gone above and beyond to represent us in our community.”

While I cannot thank Kristen and others for this honor, there is one part I disagree with.
While she might have said “even when they did not have to,” it is my belief — and the belief of those who now work at The Post — that this is something that we not only have to do, but are called to do.
Vicksburg and Warren County is a beautiful place to work and call home. But, there are those parts of our community that need our help, need the help of all of us. And, there are few better at helping those in need than the United Way and its partner agencies.
As publisher, I was honored to represent The Post Thursday evening. But, as a resident of Vicksburg and Warren County, I was honored even more to be among such great people, doing such great things in the place I know call home.
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Tim Reeves is publisher of The Vicksburg Post and can be reached by email at tim.reeves@vicksburgpost.com or by phone at 601-636-4545 ext. 122.