As with the last deadly tornado that hit Marion County, Columbia Strong is once again lending a helping hand.
Emergency Management Director Aaron Greer asked members of Columbia Strong to set up a regional distribution center to help coordinate getting supplies to the areas affected by the April 19 EF-4 tornado that claimed a life. The southern part of the county in the Pine Burr and Sandy Hook took the brunt of it, with dozens of homes destroyed or damaged.
The regional distribution center has been set up at First Baptist Church. People may drop off donations, those in need of assistance may get supplies and throughout the day supplies are also being taken to both Hurricane Creek Baptist Church and Pine Burr Baptist Church to be dispersed from there.
Columbia Police Chief Michael Kelly and some of his support team spent last week helping with the clean up in Jeff Davis and Covington counties that were hit by a deadly EF-4 tornado on Easter. As the regional distribution center in Collins was closing, the remaining supplies were brought to Columbia to assist in this disaster.
"When we receive a shipment, we immediately send a shipment out to the affected areas," Kelly said.
Inside the gymnasium at First Baptist Church, tables were lined up Wednesday with a variety of items for the victims, while outside pallets of water, cleaning supplies and boxes of food were prepared. Those needing assistance pull up, fill out the appropriate paperwork and their vehicle is loaded up, all without the victims getting out of the car.
The same applies to donations: All one has to do is pull up, and the volunteers will remove the items.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., provided more than 500 meals each day for victims and volunteers. The Springs Church in Collins has provided more than 150 meals.
“We are here as we are needed,” Kelly said.
Kelly said the Columbia Police Department participated in some search and rescues Sunday night in Pine Burr and a couple of officers were assisting the Marion County Sheriff's Office in Sandy Hook.
At the Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday night, Kelly said they are working in four phases:
Phase 1: Tarps, water, food and Gatorade;
Phase 2: Totes, garbage bags, items to help clean up;
Phase 3: Items to begin restocking homes;
Phase 4: Storing left over items responsibly.
Kelly said while a crew has been working at the distribution center the department is still running as normal. The employees working at the distribution center are those who have seen their primary responsibilities paused by the coronavirus, such as school resource officers and municipal court workers. The usual number of patrol officers and a captain are on duty at all times to maintain safety in the city, Kelly said.
