COLUMBUS, Miss. (AP) - The Lowndes County chapter of United Way is seeking volunteers to help clean up remaining debris from last month’s storm damage.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency says the April 28 tornadoes damaged about 90 homes in the county. The Columbus Dispatch (https://bit.ly/1n73DA4) reports 13 homeowners need chain saws and workers to carry debris, while another 10 need debris taken to the road where city and county crews will haul it away.
United Way spokeswoman Patricia Brock said another homeowner has large logs, from a fallen tree, that need to be moved with a tractor.
Brock said most of the homes with remaining debris belong to the elderly.
“We have mostly elderly and disabled people on the list, and they have no other way to get this work done,” she said. “Volunteer efforts are critical to overcoming the hardship placed on many from this storm.”
In addition to seeking volunteers, United Way is also asking for donations of food, cleaning supplies and basic hygiene items. Donations can be dropped off at Columbus banks, Brock said.
Those who are interested in volunteering in debris cleanup can contact the United Way at 662-328-0943 or email patricia@unitedwaylowndescounty.org.
A Community Based Recovery Committee also will hold its first meeting at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. The group will meet at Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen at 223 22nd St. N. in Columbus.
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Information from: The Commercial Dispatch, https://www.cdispatch.com
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