By Susie A. Wolfe
The Phillips family of Pelahatchie has decades of combined experience volunteering at the Pelahatchie Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD) — with a special Christmas twist.
Clark Phillips has volunteered with the PVFD for 30 years. His father, Harold Phillips, played Santa for years before his passing. Harold Phillips was the Santa for Walters Pancake Breakfast, and Pelahatchie’s Pancake Breakfast and Firefi ghter’s Dinner. He is shown here at Pelahatchie Elementary. He passed away in August 2021. in 2000. Now, Clark is taking up the mantle. He has appeared as Pelahatchie’s very own Santa Claus since 2023.
“I enjoy seeing children’s faces light up,” Clark, who is a Burke forklift mechanic by trade, said. “It’s heartwarming!”
Volunteering at the PVFD is a Phillips family tradition. Clark’s brother, Tracy Phillips, and nephew, Kirkland Phillips, are also PVFD volunteers. Clark served as Fire Chief for many of his 30 years of service.
In 2024, Clark’s wife, Katrina, began joining him as Mrs. Claus at the Pelahatchie Santa Breakfast at the Community Center, the Christmas Parade, and Jellystone Park’s Community Christmas. This year, they are adding Barefoot Springs Baptist Church to their circuit and are open to other opportunities in the area.
Katrina, originally from Pearl, met Clark after moving to Pelahatchie. Their daughters and son-in-law, Mary Elizabeth Phillips and Tabitha and Harrison Varner, also live in Pelahatchie.
Katrina is the chief executive assistant at Canopy Children’s Solutions and was appointed to the Mississippi Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee 16 years ago, on which she still serves today. She said the Phillips family is made up of service-oriented people.
“God gave our family the gift of encouragement,” Katrina said. “It is such a blessing to see the kids smile and the parents light up!”
Katrina said she will also make personalized Christmas videos for $10 from December 1-23.
The PVFD is holding their annual fundraiser, the Christmas Tour of Homes, on December 6 from 1-6 p.m. Clark and Katrina will be at the Town of Pelahatchie Museum next to the library all day. Stops on the Christmas Tour of Homes include 202 Warren Street, home of Andy and Janie Johns; 395 N. Brooks Avenue, home of David and Leshea Gray; and 108 Teague Lane, home of Rick and Anne Cordell. There will also be a stop at the Pelahatchie Baptist Church for complimentary coffee and hot chocolate, hosted by PVFD chaplain Pastor Spencer Sullivan.
Bringing Christmas joy is something Katrina and Clark love to share. For more information, contact Mrs. Claus at 601-672-6001.
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