Surprise! Woman Receives $24,000 Check

GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) - A Gulfport woman has received a check for $24,203 from the state's unclaimed property program.

Pamela Wilkinson received the check this week from State Treasurer Tate Reeves.

Reeves says Wilkinson's father had an insurance policy. When he passed away nine years ago, Wilkinson never knew the money existed.

Reeves says his office found Wilkinson by calling her uncle. Wilkinson is a teacher at Bayou View Middle School. Her family lost everything in Katrina. She said the money is truly a special gift.

Wilkinson said she plans to save the money and see what needs come up. She is putting one son through college.