Pearl River County leaders are uniting this week to collect supplies for those affected by the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Harvey.
The Pearl River County Board of Supervisors, Pearl River Community College, the Picayune City Council and the Poplarville Board of Aldermen are collecting supplies throughout the county and asking for the public’s help.
“We went through Katrina, we know what it feels like,” Poplarville Mayor Rossie Creel said.
District I Supervisor Donald Hart, who is spearheading the campaign, said due to the assistance received after Hurricane Katrina almost 12 years ago to the date, it’s the county’s responsibility to put forth its best effort.
PRCC has volunteered an 18-wheeler to take the supplies to Texas next week, Hart said.
Brad Ramey of Ramey’s has donated empty pallets, shrink wrap and four pallets full of water, he said.
“Amidst all of the division in the nation and the world, we’re really all in the same boat,” Hart said.
He said he’s been reflecting on how the Gulf Coast was affected by Hurricane Harvey and with the record-breaking storm causing significant damage and flooding, it is time to lend a hand.
Right now, the following donations are requested:
– Cleaning supplies, mops, bleach and dish detergent.
-Non-perishable food items, including canned vegetables, meats and soup.
-Diapers of all sizes and baby formula (preferably in boxes not cans).
-New underwear and socks for children and adults (No used clothing items will be taken at this time).
-Hygiene supplies, deodorant, soap, feminine products, toothpaste, toothbrushes and wipes.
-Paper products such as plates, cups, napkins and paper towels.
-Bottled water.
-Utility knives.
“We were on the receiving end of that after Katrina,” Picayune Fire Chief Keith Brown said.
After days of watching trucks head to New Orleans with supplies in 2005, Brown said, it was a blessing to see those trucks come to Pearl River County.
After receiving help from organizations and other governments in the past, Creel said it was important to “be able to pay that forward.”
Drop off locations include:
-The Pearl River County Emergency Operations Center, located at 810 Highway 11, Poplarville.
-Manna Ministries, located at 120 Street A, Picayune.
-Picayune Fire Station #1 located on South Loftin Avenue.
-Pearl River Community College.
Hart asked that donations be dropped off during regular business hours, but Brown said the fire station is open 24/7.
The truck is expected to leave for Texas on Sept. 8.
For more information, contact Hart at 601-347-9006.