U.S. Rep. Travis Childers” office shared information today on how individuals, charities and businesses can help those affected by severe storms in the state over the weekend, and where Choctaw County residents can seek direct help from his staff this week.
Childers” office reported that three counties in the First District — Choctaw, Monroe and Union — had received significant damage.
“As of Sunday evening, damages included a total of 225 homes or mobile homes, 5 businesses, 17 injuries, and 5 deaths,” in Mississippi”s First District, Childers” office said in a release.
The Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service has asked charities, businesses, and individuals who would like to volunteer to register at www.volunteermississippi.org or call 888-353-1793. MCVS has asked that volunteers stand by until they are contacted.
For more information on how to donate or volunteer, call 888-353-1793 or visit msema.org and click on the donation and volunteer links listed under “NEWS.”
To accommodate those locally wanting to help, the Hinds County Sheriff”s Department has set up an 18 wheeler truck at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds to accept non-perishable food, bottled water, clothing and bedding and other items to aid in relief efforts for storm victims. A donation center has also been set up in Yazoo City at 1601 County Barn Road.
In addition, Childers said staff members beginning Tuesday would he holding emergency office hours in Choctaw County to assist victims of last weekend”s devastating tornado, as well as provide information for constituents who would like to aid in relief efforts.
“Staff members in Childers” Tupelo office are prepared to serve victims and volunteers in Monroe and Union Counties, where the tornado also caused significant damage,” his office said in a release.
At least one staff member will be available to serve constituents in need of assistance at the Choctaw County Courthouse in the Board of Supervisors Room from this Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. During these days and hours, Choctaw County residents will be able to reach a staff member by phone at 662-285-6329.
Tupelo office hours are from Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The phone number is 662-841-8808.
“This weekend, our communities were struck by the largest natural disaster to hit our state since Hurricane Katrina. I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the five victims killed in Choctaw County,” Childers said. “My thoughts and prayers go out to the Mississippians who suffered injuries and damages to their homes and businesses. We are a strong community and we will recover from this disaster.”
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