Residents continue to donate to storm victims

Published 12:00 am Sunday, November 20, 2005

When Johnnie Edwards III and other members of Having Church went down to Biloxi, Miss., after Hurricane Katrina ripped through, their mission was simple – at least, to describe.

&uot;We had to do something to bring peace and joy to the people of Biloxi,&uot; Edwards said. &uot;I never saw so much trash in all my life. The people looked like the breath had been sucked right out of them.&uot;

Working with the Urban Life Ministries of the Biloxi area, Having Church members loaded up a truck, donated by Mike Duman, with supplies and drove it south. Next month, they hope to do so again.

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Saturday, Edwards, Vanessa Savage and other members got ready, collecting donated supplies in Duman’s Collision Center on North Main Street.

&uot;They need Clorox to kill germs,&uot; Savage said, putting together a load of water, cleaner and other supplies. &uot;They need blankets, because it’s getting cold down there. They want tents to sleep in, and they’re trying to raise money to buy a circus tent for a lot of people to sleep in. The city has helped us.&uot;

Similar events will be held Dec. 3 and 10.

&uot;The church has been very good in sending different types of clothing and blankets,&uot; said Urban Representative Butch Fadely. &uot;They’ve even sent money. They came down and worked with us, cleaning out houses. They were very gracious and got right into the nasties with us.&uot;

jason.norman@suffolknewsherald.com