BOONE, N.C., Jan. 24, 2017 —International Christian relief organization Samaritan's Purse is responding to the devastating tornados that tore across southeastern states over the weekend. Disaster Relief Units are now based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Albany, Georgia—towns reeling from deadly twisters that damaged hundreds of homes. Teams continue to assess other hard-hit areas in Georgia.
"Many families are devastated by the tornados that swept through their communities over the weekend," dijo Franklin Graham, presidente de Samaritan’s Purse."We want to help them recover from the storms by assisting in the cleanup efforts and sharing the love of Jesus Christ with the people who are struggling in the aftermath of this disaster."
Together with its network of volunteers, the North Carolina-based organization will help families recover from the tornados. Teams will use skid-steer loaders, chainsaws and other equipment to clear debris and remove fallen trees. Volunteers will also assist homeowners by tarping damaged roofs and helping them recover personal belongings.
In addition to personnel, Samaritan's Purse has dispatched Disaster Relief Units. These tractor- trailers are stocked with tools and relief supplies, and will serve as command centers. The first unit is based at Carterville Baptist Church in Petal, Mississippi, and the second is based at the Albany (Georgia) Coca-Cola Bottling Company.
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
- Todd Taylor, assistant manager of U.S. Disaster Relief for Samaritan's Purse, on the ground in Mississippi
- Keeth Willingham, program manager for Samaritan's Purse, on the ground in Albany, Georgia
- Tim Haas, manager of U.S. Disaster Relief for Samaritan's Purse, coordinating response efforts
Chaplains from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's Rapid Response Team have also been deployed to help tornado victims. They will be working alongside Samaritan's Purse to provide emotional and spiritual encouragement in the community.
For more information about how to help or volunteer with Samaritan's Purse, go to spvolunteernetwork.org. Donations to help with the tornado relief efforts can be made at samaritanspurse.org.
