Chicagoans seek to help Mississippi tornado victims

CHICAGO (WLS) — A Purple Cross volunteer from Chicago is leaving for Mississippi Monday.

“Even when I can simply be a shoulder to cry on, that is what I wish to get out of taking place there,” stated Mara Thompson, communications supervisor for Purple Cross of Illinois.

Thompson booked a one-way ticket to tornado-ravaged Mississippi, her first catastrophe deployment with the Purple Cross.

“Getting the prospect to go first-hand and see one thing like this, I feel it is simply going to be a very rewarding expertise to actually assist the those who want it, within the time they want it most,” Thompson stated.

Mara is considered one of numerous volunteers converging on Mississippi after an EF-4 twister left no less than 25 individuals lifeless, dozens injured and a 59-mile scar on the state.

SEE ALSO: South reels from lethal twister outbreak; 2-year-old amongst quite a few lifeless in Mississippi

“Principally what our purpose is to ensure that the individuals who have been affected by this horrible tragedy have every part they want for subsequent steps, whether or not that is a meal to eat, a spot to remain, a shelter,” Thompson stated.

A West Aspect church can be stepping in to assist.

Water bottles, bathroom paper, paper towels and different items line a wall at New Inspirational Missionary Baptist Church on the West Aspect.

The church’s pastor is from hard-hit Mississippi, and plans to ship the provides later this week.

“I used to be devastated seeing the city destroyed, the lives that had been misplaced. Everyone knows how one feels, in a scenario like this,” stated Pastor Andrew Griffin, of New Inspirational Missionary Baptist Church.

Go to RedCross.org for extra info on the best way to assist twister victims.