Tornado Coverage Part II: South MS Red Cross

Hattiesburg, MS

Even though the South Mississippi American Red Cross office on Hutchinson Avenue was leveled to the ground after an EF-4 tornado touched down in Marion, Lamar, Forrest, Lawrence and Wayne counties, that did not stop Red Cross employees and volunteers from helping the residents of the Pine Belt. 

Martha Duvall, Communications Officer for Red Cross South Mississippi says Red Cross is not a building. According to Duvall, "Red Cross is actually a spirit of compassion and a spirit of volunteerism. It's the people. It's our Red Cross volunteers and our Red Cross staff. It's really all about that giving, caring spirit."

When authorities cleared roads, the South Mississippi Chapter of the American Red Cross organization workers began setting up aid stations throughout the most devastated parts of the Pine Belt. 

American Red Cross South Mississippi Chapter Executive, Jay Huffstatler, says the quick response of the Red Cross is credited not only to sister Red Cross chapters and volunteers, but also to a national 1 million square foot Red Cross warehouse located in South Hattiesburg. This warehouse contains blankets, food, water, cleanup kits, comfort kits, tarps, tools, and many other supplies that aid residents in returning to normalcy after any natural disaster. 

During this time, the Red Cross encourages residents to become Red Cross volunteers just like 10-year volunteer Ann Loveless. 

For more information about becoming a volunteer, visit:

     - American Red Cross

If you're in need of services in Forrest or Lamar counties, call: 601.582.8151

    Behind the scenes photo as I gathered video

    from the South Mississippi Red Cross Chapter.

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