The Arc of Pearl River County is looking for sponsorships and donations for upcoming community events.

The non-profit organization, along with the Oscar J. Gelpi Council 6872 of the Knights of Columbus, will host a bingo event starting today at 10 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

Arc President Susette Morrow said all their events are open to the public and donations are welcome.

“Since we’re a non-profit organization we need help. We used to get funding from the county years back until there were some budget cuts,” Morrow said.

Their mission has been to promote awareness and advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities since its inception in the 1970s, Morrow said.

In honor of Disability Awareness Day, the organization will host an Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Fun Day on Thursday, May 7 at Friendship Park. Activities include music, games, lunch and demonstrations made by the Pearl River County Sheriff Department’s K-9 unit and the Picayune Fire Department’s arson dog.

“We’re putting on this event to let the public know what the Arc does and what resources are out there for those who are disabled,” Morrow said.

During the event, the organization will hand out educational pamphlets regarding services offered for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

One of the main services is the Intellectual/ Developmental Disabilities Waiver, Morrow said.

“If it wasn’t for the waiver, my son would be sitting at home with me doing nothing,” Morrow said about her son who’s intellectually disabled.

The program provides services that help adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities live an independent life, according to the Mississippi Division of Medicaid website.

Morrow advises parents to get their child on the waiting list as soon as possible since there’s a long wait.

On Wednesday, May 13 the Knights of Columbus will host a barbecue chicken fundraiser where some of the event’s proceeds will go to the Arc. On Friday, June 26 the Arc will host a luau dance.

For more information, contact Morrow at (228) 342-3095 or Madeline McNease at (601) 795-3415.