How to help Mississippi tornado and severe weather victims

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As Mississippi emergency officials can continue to assess the damage wrought by 17 tornadoes and severe thunderstorms on March 14-15, recovery efforts are already underway. There are more than a few ways Mississippians can help their neighbors in need. 

21 counties reported damage from the storms, while seven people were killed in Walthall, Jefferson Davis, and Covington Counties. 

Volunteer efforts play a crucial role in rebuilding communities affected by natural disasters like last weekend’s storms, but Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) officials implore those who want to help to join an organization or nonprofit’s efforts instead of self-deploying. This avoids overwhelming those in need and allows efforts to be targeted and more efficient.  

Two drop-off locations have been set up in Walthall and Grenada County to receive donations.  

Walthall County 

Walthall Emergency Operations Center – 908 Armory Rd, Tylertown

Needs: Paper towels, gas cans, baby formula, generators, chainsaws, rakes, brooms, laundry detergent 

Do not need: Can not take clothes, perishable food, or monetary donations 

Grenada County 

Elliot Baptist Church – 566 Nat G Troutt Rd., Grenada

Needs: Baby formula/baby food, pet supplies, household cleaning supplies 

Do not need: Perishable food items 

For more information on official donation centers and shelters available to the public, as well as joining the volunteer efforts of verified organizations and nonprofits, click here. 

Those unable to offer their time can contribute monetary donations to the American Red Cross, which has deployed crews in Mississippi, to help victims of the tornadoes that stretched across the southeast.