Community donates hundreds of items for storm victims

HATTIESBURG, MS. - A handful of residents are taking a minute out of their day to help the Lone Star state.

Saint Fabian, St.Thomas, Holy Rosary, and Sacred Heart Catholic churches provided a 26 foot truck for the community to fill with necessary items.

Church volunteers will drive the truck to Houston and help storm victims. The churches set up two drive-thru drop off sites at Winn Dixie and Half Shell Oyster House parking lots Thursday.

“I had some items, I just figured it would be a good thing to do, stop by and donate them" says a donator Kendall Andrews. Another donator Katy Chmelicek says, “What goes around comes around, we just wanna help when we can."

South Mississippi is no stranger to natural disasters. Donators say they can relate to Texas victims.

“I mean we’ve been through Katrina, so we know how they feel down there" says donator Margaret Hall. “We’ve been there before and we will probably be there again some day" says Chmelicek.

Hundreds of the items are piled up and ready to go, hoping to send a message. Donator Chris Wooton says, “I hope they feel remembered, and that there is somebody out there that cares about them and hope they can pass it along when they can.”

Church officials are still accepting donations at all 4 of the Catholic churches. Officials say they need the following items:

Water, Diapers, Baby Wipes, Baby Formula, Shampoo, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Hand sanitizer, Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Non-perishable Food (Canned meats, fruits, vegetables, juices, high-energy foods), flashlights, batteries, can openers, plastic utensils and paper plates.

St. Thomas: 3117 W 4th St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401

St. Fabian: 27 Veritas Ln, Sumrall, MS 39482

Holy Rosary: 900 Dabbs St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401

Sacred Heart: 313 Walnut St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401