[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 113 (Tuesday, July 9, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E704]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING LINDA KEYS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 9, 2024

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr, Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable individual, Ms. Linda Keys.
  Linda Keys was born in July 1955 to the late Willie and Mary Phipps 
Keys. She grew up in a rural farming community where hard work and 
familial support were fundamental values. Being the youngest of seven 
children, Linda witnessed her parents' dedication firsthand. Her father 
worked tirelessly as a farmer to provide the necessities of life, while 
her mother juggled he roles of homemaker and wage earner, demonstrating 
an unparalleled work ethic.
  Raised in Mississippi Linda's upbringing instilled in her a drive for 
academic excellence and a belief in the transformative power of 
education. She graduated from Quitman County High School (QCHS) in 
Marks, Mississippi, in 1973 and then pursued higher education at St. 
Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri, where she obtained a Bachelor 
of Arts in Education in 1978.
   Although Linda initially aspired to become an educator, her path 
took an unexpected turn when she was offered a full-time position at 
Ford Motor Company after completing internships. Embracing the 
opportunity Linda embarked on a career that required her to balance the 
demands of work. education. and motherhood with unwavering 
determination.
  After the passing of her husband in 2012, Linda transitioned into a 
retired lifestyle until her mother's declining health prompted her to 
move back to Mississippi in 2015. It was during this period that 
Linda's compassion for the less fortunate was reignited, as she 
witnessed children enduring the bitter cold without adequate clothing.
  Motivated to make a difference, Linda founded Mississippi Coats4Kidz 
in January 2016, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing coats, 
blankets, and other essentials to children living in poverty across 
Mississippi. Through her steadfast leadership and the support of 
various stakeholders, including grants, sponsors, and donors, Linda's 
organization has distributed over 100,000 coats to date offering warmth 
and hope to countless children in need.
  Linda's philanthropic efforts have garnered recognition and 
accolades, including certificates of recognition from the Mississippi 
State Senate awards from organizations such as Men United and WMC 
Action News 5, and the prestigious Governor's Initiative for Volunteers 
of Excellence award in 2022.
  In addition to her charitable endeavors, Linda is an active member of 
various professional and nonprofit associations, including National 
Association of Professional Women and the Mississippi Alliance of 
Nonprofits. She is a devout believer in the power of faith and 
community and attends Pleasant Grove M.B. Church in Crenshaw, 
Mississippi, where she finds spiritual guidance under the leadership of 
Pastor Prez Jackson.
  As Linda continues her mission to serve the vulnerable members of her 
community, her unwavering commitment to making a difference, one coat 
at a time, stands as a testament to the transformative impact of 
compassion and resilience.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. 
Linda Keys for her service to the community.

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