Volunteers with Marion County Churches in Action, the Columbia Police Department and the city teamed up Tuesday morning to unload a large truck of supplies from Virginia to be distributed throughout the areas affected by recent tornados.
Larry Jenkins, who is pastor for New Zion Baptist Church in Wiggins and the president of Marion County Churches in Action, said it was a blessing to receive help from God’s Pit Crew, which donated the supplies. Jenkins is also an ambassador for Eight Days of Hope and connected with Randy Johnson of God’s Pit Crew, which is based out of Danville, Va., and works in disaster relief.
Jenkins said the supplies will be dispersed throughout Marion, Walthall, Jeff Davis and Jones counties. Supplies include water, juice, Gatorade, paper supplies and hygiene and cleaning products. Marion County Churches in Action partnered with Columbia Strong to collect and distribute the various goods.
Marion County Churches in Action was established as a disaster relief group in 2014 following the deadly EF-3 tornado that December. Since then the group has responded to natural disasters in Hattiesburg, Houston, Beaumont, Texas, Panama City Beach, Fla., and others. Recently the group has been helping out in Jeff Davis County in response to the Easter tornados and is now assisting right here in Marion County on the heels of the EF-4 tornado of April 19.
“We are collecting donations also to financially assist in some of these areas where it’s needed,” Jenkins said. “I want to say thanks to those churches who have contributed thus far and encourage those who have not yet because there are a lot of hurting people.”
Donations can be made to Marion County Churches in Action at 964 Mississippi 586 in Foxworth.
