Stacy Sandifer needed only one entry to be a Hometown Buckswinner.

After registering once at Sisters by Design, the 21-year-oldCopiah-Lincoln Community College’s student’s name was drawn as thegrand prize winner of $500 in Hometown Bucks during The DAILYLEADER’S annual Hometown Christmas promotion.

“I’m excited,” Sandifer, of Brookhaven, said Wednesday as shewas presented with her winnings. “I never win anything in my lifeever.”

Sandifer was so excited about winning the big prize that she hadsome trouble communicating the good news to her mother.

“I couldn’t understand anything she was saying on the phone,”Sandra Sandifer said as she shared in her daughter’s victory.

Mrs. Sandifer was also hopeful to be remembered when Stacystarts to spend the money.

Stacy Sandifer said that was a good possibility. With thewinnings coming in a stack of $10 notes, she joked she would needsomething to carry her winnings.

“I’ve got to get a bigger purse,” Sandifer said.

Unlike some previous weekly $100 winners who planned to usetheir winnings on gifts, Stacy has already completed that task.

“I’ve bought all my Christmas presents,” she said as she lookedat a list of participating merchants in the holiday promotion.

This year’s participating businesses included Betty Ann’s;Brookhaven Sports; Engravables; Expectations; Millane’s Gifts andBridal Registry; Rushing Boots; Sister’s By Design; Smith Bros.Collision Center and Truck Accessories; T.H. Perkins Furniture Co.;Wizard Electronics.

LEADER Publisher Bill Jacobs said the promotion was a bigsuccess again this year.

“It’s important to shop locally during the holidays, and ourHometown Christmas promotes that effort,” Jacobs said. “Weappreciate our advertising partners who play an important role inthe promotion and who provide opportunities for our lucky winnersto spend their Hometown Bucks.”