Bay St. Louis crew helps boy celebrate his birthday

Mississippi Power crews aren’t just working hard to keep the lights on during COVID-19 pandemic. They are making time to spread a little birthday cheer, too.

Bay St. Louis crewmembers Joey Ladner, Truman Schultz, Justin Ladner, Jonathan Chester, Bailey Ladner and Blake White started their workday by rolling their trucks and honking their horns past the home of Taz Rivas for his 10th birthday.

The boy’s family was unable to celebrate as they normally would due to the COVID-19 crisis, but this didn’t stop the Mississippi Power team from putting a smile on his face.

“Taz was super happy and shocked when the guys drove by in their bucket trucks,” said mother Crystol Rivas. “He is a sweet boy that makes straight As despite having a learning disability. A big truck stopping by absolutely made his day. Thank you, Mississippi Power!”

The icing on the cake? Crews were able to drop off a souvenir hardhat for Taz to wear on his big day.

“We were happy to show support,” said Area Manager Jason Farve. “I’m proud of our guys for taking care of our community and for finding a safe way to celebrate with Taz.”

Local police officers also joined in on the fun and drove by Taz’s house that afternoon. A Facebook video shows the birthday boy still wearing his hard hat for all his special visitors.

“It’s official,” said Rivas. “Taz said this has been the best birthday ever!”

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and environmentally responsible energy for more than 188,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. With nearly 160 megawatts of approved solar energy capacity, Mississippi Power is the largest partner in providing renewable energy in the state of Mississippi. Visit our website at mississippipower.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

###