Church is a “godsend” for Columbus, Mississippi tornado victims

A tree uprooted by tornado fell and crushed a truck underneath. Photo by Malia Carothers.

Helping hands weren’t too far behind the tornado that landed in Columbus, Mississippi on February 23.

According to a spokesperson from the mayor’s office in Columbus, more than 500 volunteers and 100 businesses have been a part of the recovery crew. The tornado killed one person, injured 18 others and damaged 400 locations.

“We have just a huge mess.” spokesperson Joe Dillon said, “With all of the volunteers and the people who are coming to help, we are able to start a service that is like a matchmaker for people to match their needs with the people willing to help.”

Tenth Avenue Churches of Christ in Columbus is literally a match made in heaven for some local residents.  Church members have been on the scene since the morning after the tornado hit.

“We wanted to be here first. We wanted to make sure this community was not only the place where [we] worship,” Minister Willie Mccord said, “but for this community to know that we are a part of them, and we are here to help them any way that we can.”

The church quickly opened a distribution center for the victims. It contains basic supplies such as brooms, socks, shoes, clothes, tarps, rakes and more needed items.

“It’s amazing,” said Tiffany Edwards, a local mother of four. “They’re missing parts of their church, so it’s a godsend that they decided to help everyone else.”

The Churches of Christ membership has vowed to continue to provide for those in need until everyone is back on their feet.

Story contributed by malia Carothers,mscaroth@go.olemiss.edu.