Pearl River County is no stranger to floods. Although we are not the ones who are suffering from the natural disaster, I’ve noticed that we are the first to respond to help neighbors who are.

During the Louisiana floods last year, I witnessed numerous truckloads of supplies being packed in Pearl River County to be shipped out to help thousands of people in distress. And with Hurricane Harvey wreaking havoc on southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana, talks of gathering supplies have already spread across the county. Many people living in Picayune know first hand what it is like to suffer through floods, and sometimes lose most of their possessions. It was never more evident when the city provided a safe refugee for Louisianans traveling north

during Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Now, those people have a chance to give back to those going through another natural disaster. The impact those efforts have speak

volumes of what the term “southern hospitality” really means.

In the coming weeks, look out for donation centers, collection drives and other venues to contribute to the relief efforts for those affected by the impact of Hurricane Harvey.

Every ounce of water and every bundle of supplies helps families get back on their feet and have one less worry on their shoulders. What I have noticed is many donations don’t include pet supplies, baby supplies, toiletries, bleach and most importantly, medical equipment.

A cry for help is being heard; all we have to do is answer. Donations don’t have to be thousands of dollars worth of supplies, it can be as small as a box of bandages and a couple cans of nonperishable food. Any donation will be used to make lives struggling families better.