Sending aid to small towns so far ignored by national media

By Stacey Cato

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is no stranger to the importance of speedy hurricane relief efforts amid a deadly, devastating storm. As rescuers scramble along the Texas Coast to save lives in the catastrophic flooding Hurricane Harvey created, the cities of Pass Christian and Long Beach are taking part in organizing donations to support the thousands of storm victims in need.

The city of Pass Christian has chosen Rockport, TX to assist with Hurricane recovery, city leaders said.

Pass Christian Fire Chief Dwight Gordon is leading the efforts. He spoke to residents at a special-called Board of Alderman meeting held at city hall Tuesday evening.

Gordon said, “Initially our efforts will be concentrated on financial contributions to the City to aid with Public Safety equipment. We plan to assist in the future in areas Rockport may request once they have had a chance to get a handle on everything.”

For immediate contributions, Gordon said, you may contact Pass Christian City Hall or Pass Christian Fire Department. Pass Christian High School is also joining in on the efforts. You can bring your donations to the gate of any home football game, officials said.

A complete list of other participants and donation locations can be found on the city’s website.

The city of Long Beach has adopted two south Texas communities and are collecting supplies before heading out to the storm ravaged area.

Officials say they have reached out to the towns of Palacios and Dickinson, Texas. They are keeping contact with city leaders in both locations and updating their list of needs often on the city’s website. For a complete list of supplies being requested you can check the city’s website or Facebook page. Drop off locations include the Long Beach Police Department located at 201 Alexander Road and any of the three Long Beach Fire stations. No clothes please.

Operation Relief is being hosted by Brandon’s ATV Service of Pass Christian. Owner Brandon Necaise said his team will be filling up two 18-wheelers with supplies re-quested. They will be accepting items to donate for the next two weeks. On Friday, you can drop off donations at Rouses in Diamondhead, Froogels in Bay St. Louis or at Neco’s Marketplace. You can also bring your donations between 8-5 to Brandon’s ATV Service located on Cleo Smith Rd. in Pass Christian. For more information visit their Facebook.

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If you know of more places to send donations, let us know. Also as Irma possibly approaches please send your news to us regarding that important storm. Send to editor@thegazebogazette.com. Thank you, wonderful community members!