Tornadoes leveled communities last Friday, here is how you can help

Published 5:02 pm Monday, March 27, 2023

BROOKHAVEN — National Weather Service of Jackson reports seven tornadoes killed 22 people last Friday night. The tornadoes left miles of scars and destruction and now Lincoln County residents have an opportunity to help those in need. 

Farm Bureau Insurance in Brookhaven is collecting diapers, bottled water, canned food, batteries, hygiene products and other essential non-perishable items. Those items can be brought to 303 West Cherokee Street in Brookhaven. 

Reed’s Metals of Brookhaven is collecting donations to send to those in need. They are requesting bottled water, non-perishable food items, wet wipes and toilet paper, baby diapers, toiletries, tarps, hand sanitizer and first aid kits. Items may be dropped off at 19 East Lincoln Drive Northeast in Brookhaven between 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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David Williams, director of missions at Lincoln Baptist Association in Brookhaven, said they are taking donations of baby formula, diapers and batteries to take to Rolling Fork. The association office is located at 640 Halbert Heights Road in Brookhaven. 

Two trailers and two trucks took donations up to Rolling Fork on Saturday. Williams said they are still taking donations. 

“We will take donations through Tuesday. After Tuesday, we will take gift cards and monetary donations and make sure they are distributed through the proper channels,” Williams said. “We would like to have the donations by noon at the latest Tuesday. We won’t turn anyone away who might be late because we won’t let anything be wasted but after noon tomorrow we will switch to gift cards and monetary donations.” 

Helping through MSEMA

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency published a list of donations which can be sent to locations aiding communities affected by Friday night’s storms. 

  • Non-perishable food
  • Sunblock
  • Feminine products
  • Baby wipes
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Paper products: toilet paper, tissues, plates
  • Plastic cutlery

Monetary Donations can be made to the American Red Cross or Salvation Army. 

Here are the locations taking donations: 

Humphrey’s County Emergency Management Agency
16735 US Highway 49
Belzoni, MS

Crossway Church
1825 Hwy 61 South
Vicksburg, MS 39180

Mississippi Fairgrounds
1207 Mississippi Street
Jackson, MS 39202

Old Amory Garment
902 Main Street South
Amory, MS

Amory Regional Museum
801 3rd Street South Amory, MS

Carroll-County-Old Vaiden High School Gym
504 Mulberry
Vaiden, MS 39176

MSEMA is asking people wanting to volunteer to not self deploy at this time. Those wanting to volunteer in the storm response can visit volunteermississippi.org/volunteer-now/ to find out how they can help. 

If your organization is taking donations to help those affected by the storm email details to hunter.cloud@dailyleader.com and we will add you to this story.