Contact: Sammy McDavid
A coalition of Mississippi State University student groups is planning a cooperative effort Saturday [Feb. 24] to help area residents remove debris left in the wake of last Friday's violent storm.
Participants will assemble at 8:30 a.m. at the Wesley Foundation building on East Lee Boulevard, adjacent to the Campus Book Mart.
"This work day is being coordinated and supported by an interfaith agency formed this week to help our communities respond to the storm," said Wesley director Hugh Griffith.
"Our highest priority will be to serve the needs of the poor, the elderly, the uninsured, and single-parent families," he added.
Griffith said gloves, snacks, drinks, and lunch will be provided for the volunteers, who are expected to work primarily in Oktibbeha and Lowndes counties.
For the most part, teams will concentrate on hauling tree limbs and other litter to curbsides for later pickup. No chainsaws will be operated by crew members.
"While we plan to be on the job all day, student participants are free to work for as long as they can and may leave whenever they need to," Griffith said.
Several vans will be provided to carry workers to the area sites. Personal vehicles may also be needed to help with transportation.
Free T-shirts will be provided to help participants and others identify the work teams.
To participate, telephone Griffith at (662) 323-1778 or the Rev. Ron McDougald at 323-4657 as soon as possible.