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RAI Responds to Yazoo City, Miss. Tornado
April 30, 2010-
On April 24th a massive tornado nearly two miles in width struck down in the town of Tallulah in Northeast Louisiana. It continued for another 149 miles, barreling through Yazoo City, Mississippi, before coming to a halt near the town of Sturgis, Miss. The lives and homes of hundreds of people were uprooted. RAI Ministries has had a near-immediate response in working with local agencies to help affected families begin the process of getting back on their feet.
The April 24 storm system spawned numerous tornadoes across the Southeast. The blue line represents the path of the Yazoo City tornado.
In response to the current need on the ground, today staff from RAI sent up an RV to set up as a hub near the makeshift operations center. In addition to the RV, a bobcat, trailer and truck will be brought up for use in recovery efforts. Donated products such as baby formula, diapers, sanitizing hand cleaners, and several pallets of bottled water and sports drinks will be also be delivered. Chief Operating Officer John Coyle met with the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Services onsite coordinator to assess ways in which RAI can be involved in further assistance. Updates will be forthcoming, including a resource hotline number the First Lady of Mississippi, Marsha Barbour, is working to develop to aid victims of the storm.
Just as volunteer groups and donors continue to restore faith, home and community to the Gulf Coast through Camp Restore in New Orleans, we also have an opportunity to assist our Mississippi neighbors in Yazoo City and nearby areas in their recovery.
Donations are currently being requested: Please makes checks out to “RAI Ministries” and write “Yazoo City Tornado Recovery” in your check memo line or in the comments section of our Online Giving Page form if you would like to give specifically to assist in this recovery effort. Those interested in volunteering are asked to provide their contact information via our Contact Us page here. Checks may be mailed to RAI Ministries’ Biloxi office at 1996 Pass Road, Biloxi, MS 39531-4104.
Please watch this page for additional updates.