To help residents affected by the January 21st, 2017 tornado, here is Petal’s Facebook page.

On February 10th, 2013, Hattiesburg was hit by a massive EF-4 tornado. There were no deaths, thankfully — but it devastated several neighborhoods and businesses. Being here for the cleanup has been amazing; several local businesses have organized volunteer efforts, social media has helped coordinate donation centers. The community has really come together and massive progress has been made in just over a week.

However, there is still so much work to do. Several neighborhoods around town were hit; numerous homes were completely destroyed.

Hattiesburg needs your help as they continue to clean up and start rebuilding. If you can’t make it down here, here’s a list of charitable organizations and relief funds that will utilize your donations to the max and help those who need it most.

via USA Today

Charitable Organizations

Here’s a list of places, some of which are based in Hattiesburg, that are rebuilding the community and accepting online donations.

ExtraTable.org – Based in Hattiesburg, Extra Table was started last year to help combat hunger. 100% of donations go towards purchasing food bought in bulk, all administrative costs are paid separately. They’re helping keep shelves stocked for the displaced residents of Hattiesburg in need of a meal. You can donate online or mail a check.

Christian Services – Christian Services has been at the forefront of assisting tornado victims, organizing volunteer efforts and distributing donated goods. Visit their website to learn more about the organization along with information regarding how to submit a donation via check or PayPal. Also, check out their Facebook page to track all of the ways they’re helping the community.

Salvation Army – The Salvation Army has also been heavily involved in assisting Hattiesburg residents. While they accept online donations, to be certain your money is going towards Hattiesburg’s tornado relief, you can write them a check and designate “Hattiesburg Tornado” on the memo line. According to their Facebook page, checks can be mailed directly to their Hattiesburg office: 5670 U.S. 49 Hattiesburg, MS 39401.

Red Cross – The Red Cross’s local office in Hattiesburg was destroyed by the tornado, but they’ve still been able to help take care of the community. You can’t specifically donate towards Tornado Relief in Hattiesburg, but you can give a broad donation towards Disaster Relief.

Specific Relief Funds

A few local churches have organized relief funds to assist specific families in need.

St. Thomas Disaster Fund: St. Thomas Acquinas Catholic Church of Hattiesburg knows of at least 9 families in the Hattiesburg community that lost everything, and set up a fund to help them rebuild. Read more on their Facebook page.

Donations can be sent to: St. Thomas Disaster Fund, to 3117 Fourth Street. Hattiesburg Ms. 39401.

Westminster Relief Fund:  The Westminster Presbyterian Church suffered extensive damage and set up a relief fund for donations. Visit their website to learn more, and visit their Facebook page to see photos and updates of their progress.

Donations can be sent to: Westminster Relief Fund, BanCorp South, c/o Debbie Hudson. 124 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401

Southern Miss Emergency Relief Fund: The tornado swept through the front of University of Southern Mississippi’s campus. Fortunately, all dormitories and most academic buildings were spared, but the alumni house was destroyed. Learn more about donating to USM here.

Volunteering

If you are able to come to the Hattiesburg/Petal area to offer your assistance, Samaritan’s Purse is coordinating volunteer efforts.

Do you know of other ways to help Hattiesburg for those not here? Post them in the comments below and I’ll add to the list.