People in Mississippi are still suffering from Katrina, and on December 16, 2005, 4-H members and Avera St. Luke's staff members filled backpacks and boxed up backpacks to be sent to Mississippi students. The backpacks will contain winter clothes, letters, and expressions of sympathy.

The activity is part of CHARACTER COUNTS!, and Avera is the statewide sponsor for the Caring Pillar. "We are happy to offer our help," said Patty Kirkpatrick, director of marketing and public relations at Avera St. Luke's, told the Aberdeen News.