The Pine Belt knows too well the damage a strong hurricane can do. It is why when Jones County Sheriff Joe Berlin saw and heard about the devastation in Louisiana, he wanted to do something to help.
In response to Hurricane Laura, the Jones County Sheriff's Department is joining with Jones County Fire & Rescue departments including Calhoun, Ellisville, Johnson, Moselle, Ovett, Powers, Shady Grove, and Sharon to collect relief supplies for hurricane-ravaged areas of Louisiana.
“Louisiana took a direct hit from Hurricane Laura which made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane," noted Jones County Sheriff Joe Berlin. "Jones County suffered extreme damage fifteen years ago when Hurricane Katrina ravaged South Mississippi. We received outside assistance from all across America. We now need to return that favor and help our Louisiana neighbors whose homes, businesses, and communities have been decimated by this monster hurricane," added Sheriff Berlin at a press conference Monday morning.
“I’m asking that the people of Jones County come together in this time of need for the people of Louisiana. They suffered as we did after Katrina. I think it is time for us to step up and show out in their time of need, stated Sheriff Berlin”
Sheriff Berlin emphasized the need for bottled water and hygiene products as essential items.
“Anything that could help families get back on their feet. We are looking to help as many people as we can. If we need to get an 18-wheeler and trailer to haul it, we will find a way to do so,” added Berlin.
He also noted that they will not be accepting clothing items at this time due to receiving locations are not set up to handle an influx of clothing yet.
Things suggested to bring: Bottled water, sports drinks, non-perishable food items, N95 face masks, first aid supplies, cleaning supplies, flashlights and spare batteries, manual can openers, paper towels, toiletries, plastic utensils, and garbage bags.
Locations:
Jones County Sheriff’s Department - Main Office
Time: Tuesday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jones County Sheriff’s Department - Training Center
Time: Tuesday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Calhoun Volunteer Fire Department
Time: Tuesday-Friday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Ellisville Fire Department – Station #1
Time: Tuesday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Johnson Volunteer Fire Department
Time: Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Moselle Volunteer Fire Department
Time: Tuesday-Friday,7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ovett Volunteer Fire Department
Staging at Ovett Little General in Downtown Ovett
Time: Tuesday-Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Powers Volunteer Fire Department
Staging at B&C Mobile Homes Location: Powers Community
Time: Tuesday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Shady Grove Volunteer Fire Department
Time: Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday-Friday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sharon Volunteer Fire Department
Time: Tuesday-Friday, 12 p.m.to 5 p.m.