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Donations at work
May 22, 2009
By Jason Niblett, newseditor@laurelleadercall.com
December 23, 2008 11:55 am
— Elaine Hudson, along with her husband, brother, and three children, lost their home to a fire last week. They are living with a friend, but Hudson said the house was already full because the friend has a family of her own. They’re looking for a home to rent with little luck.
“We’ve looked in every paper everyday,” Hudson said. “Of course, she’s not going to turn us away. She assures me. We’re going to get through it, though.”
All of the family members are together and no one was injured during the fire.“We had took our kids to look at Christmas lights,” she said.
On top of losing personal belongings, a home, and even Christmas presents already purchased for children, Hudson said some irreplaceable things were gone, too. She said her mother died last year.
“All of her stuff was in there, too,” Hudson said.
Monday, however, offered a good feeling for the mother of three. The Pine Belt Chapter of the American Red Cross began distributing items to dozens of people who lost homes to fires in the local area over the past year.
“It’s very emotional,” Hudson said. “Everybody here has been really, really nice.”
Catina McDonald’s family lost their home to a fire earlier in the year. She and her husband are the parents of three children under the age of 10. She was also gathering items to share with her children.
“It’s a blessing,” McDonald said. “This is like angels have come here. If it wasn’t for Matt (Everette, Disaster Services Director), my kids wouldn’t have a Christmas.”
Similar stories could be heard all day long at downtown Laurel’s Chisholm Center. Each of the families helped were victims of fires that destroyed or heavily damaged their homes. Jones County has had dozens of house fires during 2008, and the Pine Belt Chapter helps five other counties, too.
With such a need, Red Cross volunteers and staff admitted there was a small amount of fear that the organization would be able to help. As of Monday afternoon, 33 families with 75 children had asked for assistance. That doesn’t count the number of families who could have gotten help but didn’t. But, with the help of churches, volunteers, donors, and area fire departments, needs were met.
“Since I’ve been here this is the most we’ve ever served,” Executive Director Peggy Owens-Mansfield said.
Everette said the key to making sure everyone who had a need received help was the Laurel Fire Department. A donation from its staff helped buy much-needed items.
“They were pivotal. They work in partnership with us,” he said.
Volunteer Susan Boone was over the program this year. Boone, who said she lost her home to a fire just after Christmas 33 years ago, understands the emotions of people looking for help.
“My little children’s Christmas burnt up, so this is a great thing to do,” she said. “I didn’t know about the Red Cross offering help then. I got involved after Hurricane Katrina and have been down here ever since, just here helping people.”
Marian Barnes with Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church said the congregation adopted a fire family this year.
“It’s just the need and being able to do it,” Barnes said. “It’s our civic duty, and spiritual duty.”
Love and Harvest Outreach Ministries Elder Donny McCormick was with his wife, Delorise, at the Red Cross building. Their church had also adopted several families.
“We’ve done outreach for a few years,” Delorise McCormick said.
McCormick said they had fundraisers and asked businesses for help.
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Elaine Hudson looks through toys at the American Red Cross distribution site Monday evening. Hudson, along with her husband and three children, lost their home to a fire last week.
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