In Lincoln County, volunteers didn't wait. They grabbed chainsaws, checked on neighbors, and cleared paths for first responders. Churches organized food and cleanup crews. County officials say that the early help made a difference, especially in rural areas where roads were blocked.
Lincoln County Sheriff, Steve Rushing, said it had a huge impact on everyone.
Tiara Jackson
Lincoln County communities work together after tornado make a devastating path
“It’s extremely hard, but then you look around and see all of our local people,” said Rushing. “You know they come in and help.”
First responders have been working together to coordinate distribution centers and shelters for residents who have been impacted by the storm. Emergency Management Director for Lincoln County, Chris Reid said they are working with MEMA on damage assessments so they can receive relief from FEMA.
“We'll have some teams coming in to assist with it because it's going to be a very extensive process,” said Reid. “It's going take some time to do those damage assessments.”
Officials say churches have been essential to the relief effort.
Calvary Baptist Church in Bogue Chitto, volunteers have stacked clothes, food, and water for families hit by the storm.
Jacob Glasz is pastor of Calvary. He said the community response has been overwhelming with the church to become a location for people to donate items for those affected by the storm.
“This is not about Calvary Baptist Church. We were just a place that God where he said, ‘I want to give y’all electricity when nobody else got some,’” said Glasz. “We were obedient enough to say yes. And so we did, God has blessed us to bless others. And it's been a blessing.”
Young volunteer Joy Leggett said she feels blessed to give back to her community during this time of need.
“I do feel really bad for the people that their homes have messed up,” said Legget. “And that's why we're here to help them and to get their lives back where they need to be.”
Just five minutes away is Leggett’s school, Bogue Chitto Attendance Center.
Principal Gareth Sartin sits inside an empty building that normally holds more than 700 students. The halls are dark and quiet, echoing with rain from outside. He said teachers and students have been out in the community helping each other.
“We have great students here. They really have care and concern for the other students,” said Sartin. “I'm just proud of them. It’s been a tough, difficult situation. And just like always, I know they're gonna pull through and shine.”
Sartin was one of the many people who went out after the storm passed through to help those in the area. He said he was outside helping people from 10 p.m. to about 4 in the morning.
Melane Crosby is a teacher at Bogue Chitto Attendance Center. She has been volunteering at Calvary Baptist Church since the storm came through. She said those who have lost everything, were still worried about asking for help.
“There was this couple that came in soaking wet. The lady looked just drawn in on herself. You could tell she was just still kind of shell shocked,” said Crosby. “She asked if it was okay for them to get something to eat. And that's what we're here for, is to feed people. I don't know if it was because she just wasn't member of this church, but she was hesitant to ask. It’s just heartbreaking because She felt like she had to ask if it was okay.”
Across town in Brookhaven, at Harmony Baptist Church, crew workers were clearing roads from trees and fallen power lines.
David Williams is the mission strategist for Lincoln County Baptist Association. He said to be aware of scammers during this time.
“Don’t pay anybody to do any work till they've done it,” said Williams. “There’s so many volunteers that most people don't have to pay to get things done.”
Chris Wallace manages Jones Capital relief program Jones Serves. He and his team partner with local churches and organizations, bring a mobile kitchen, and prepare/distribute meals to affected communities
“Part of our mission at Jones Capital is to enhance the lives of our employees into the communities that we serve,” said Wallace. “This literally means everything to us. We love people, we love our communities, and we want to see our employees and those communities thrive. Being able to come into that community and offer a warm meal goes a long way.”
Chris Reid, said it never gets easier to continue the efforts when a natural disaster happens.
“You feel for those people that were affected your heart goes out to especially like when it's your community.”
MEMA said damage assessments are still underway in the impacted areas and volunteers will continue to help in the impacted areas.