When Pine Belt residents suffered catastrophic damage during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, followed by devastating tornadoes in 2013 and 2017, the outpouring of support and assistance from states and cities around the country stuck in the minds of officials from Forrest and Lamar counties – and it’s something they haven’t’ forgotten since.
Partly because of that, officials from the Forrest County Board of Supervisors and the Town of Sumrall have organized supply drives for their neighbors to the north – in towns such as Rolling Fork, Midnight, Silver City, Winona and Amory – who were struck by a March 23 outbreak of severe weather, causing several fatalities throughout the area.
“Condolences and prayers go out to the families that suffered life loss and property loss, on behalf of the Forrest County Board of Supervisors,” board president David Hogan said. “The recent tornadoes that we had, and even Hurricane Katrina, other communities came to our aid, and we were proud of that and want to pay that forward.
“Mississippi is known as one of the most charitable states in the country, and so I know our community wants to help our neighbors in the north in their time of need. So we’re making this opportunity possible, and people can feel free to bring whatever they can contribute, and we’ll make sure that it makes us to the most-needed places.”
Forrest County officials will hold the donation drive for at least the next two to three weeks, beginning on Mondays and ending on Thursdays. On Fridays, deliveries will be made to the affected areas. Residents can drop items off at any of the county barns, fire stations, or the Forrest County Emergency Operations Center at 4080 U.S. 11 in Hattiesburg.
A list of county barns can be found at www.forrestcountyms.us under the “road department” link.
“Also, we’re going to be offering equipment and manpower,” Hogan said. “We’re in discussions with Monroe and Sharkey counties now, as well as the Mississippi Association of Supervisors’ executive director, Derrick Surrette, to determine where we are most needed in helping to clear roads and haul debris.”
Hattiesburg residents who wish to donate can drop off items at the Forrest County EOC, or any fire station in the city. A list of those locations can be found at www.hattiesburgms.com.
In Sumrall, donations are being directed to First Baptist Church at 169 Center Avenue, and various organizations are preparing relief trips. Those wishing to help can find that information at www.fbcsumrall.org/disasterrelief.
“The town is in contact with state emergency response entities, and stands by ready to offer support if and when called upon,” Mayor Joel Lofton said in a Facebook post. “After all the support we have received in the past, it would not be appropriate to turn our back on others.
“Speaking with individuals in the most hard-hit areas, recovery will be a long-term event, thus many opportunities will continue to be available should you wish to offer assistance.”
A list from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency states the following items are the most needed:
- Bottled water
- Canned foods
- Paper products
- Pet food
- Diapers and wipes
- Manual can openers
- Baby formula
- Personal care items
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Pet carriers
- Laundry detergent; and
- Cleaning supplies.
“We’ve had people asking, and we’ve had employees and managers offer to go up there and help out,” Hogan said. “Glen Moore, (director of the Forrest County Emergency Agency), is up in Jackson, and he’s already been to Rolling Fork over the weekend.
“So we are assessing the need, and we are receiving donations. We want to, as expeditiously as possible, help those neighbors of ours in the northern counties after such a great loss.”
The storm system killed at least 25 people in Mississippi and one in Alabama. On March 26, President Joe Biden announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been authorized to provide federal disaster assistance to affected individuals in Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe and Sharkey counties.
The day before, Gov. Tate Reeves issued a State of Emergency following the storms.
“I’m devastated by the destruction and loss of life that these storms have caused,” Reeves said in a statement. “The state of Mississippi will continue doing everything we can to marshal every resource available to support our fellow Mississippians who are in need. The state will be there to help them rebuild. We’re not going anywhere and we’re in it for the long haul. Please join me in praying for the family and friends of those who lost loved ones in this trying time.”
