The Mississippi Children's Museum echoed with laughter the Wednesday before Thanksgiving as kids, on break from school, explored exhibits on everything from electric cars to how the stomach works.

Feet away, in offices just off the main floor, museum employees prepared to kick off its year-end fundraising campaign starting on Giving Tuesday.

Giving Tuesday is a movement that encourages people to donate time, money and resources to help others. It takes place annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving

"We are really punching above our weight as far as the experiences that we offer, and the donors and the supporters who give on Giving Tuesday help make those things happen," said Mississippi Children's Museum CEO Susan Garrard.

The museum, a nonprofit, does not receive any local, state or federal funding. It relies on donations to keep ticket prices low and the lights on.

Garrard said a visit costs about $32, but the museum charges $13 for individual visits and $5 per student for field trips. Donations make up those prices possible.

"Having a place like this where it is affordable, where we can come really anytime we want, and it doesn't you know make us feel uncomfortable or put us in a tight because we can't afford it, we're so grateful for that," said Camea McDaniel, who regularly visits the museum with her family. "Our kids absolutely love it."

AP Video by Sophie Bates