Thousands of dollars in cash, gift cards, meals, clothing and self-care items have been donated for the 26 individuals displaced due to fire in the Brookwood Apartments. An exact total is unknown, however.

“When it first happened — the first week — everybody rushed in to donate,” said Brookhaven Housing Authority assistant executive director Arlene Carter. “Some of it was given directly to the residents by the donor and when cash or cards were given to us we immediately distributed it. We didn’t get records of those.”

Donations of meals came from various restaurants, groups and individuals — the monetary value of which only the donors know. Monetary value of the other items donated cannot be accurately measured either, but the four storage units full of sorted clothing that are still being distributed represent a sizable initial investment.

“We don’t know a total amount of what’s been given,” Carter said. “We distribute it to the tenants as it is donated to us. When we deliver their meals, we give out what we have at that time, and they must sign for it.”

Anyone who wishes to donate further can give directly to an individual who has been affected or can give via the BHA Central Office, 501 Brookman Drive. Any donor may request a receipt for their gift. The office can be contacted at 601-833-1781.

Read more on the individuals’ current housing and future plans here.