Convoy of Hope Aiding Southeast Storm Victims

Residents who had their homes damaged or destroyed when tornadoes and powerful storms ripped through the Hattiesburg, Mississippi, area and later, through southwest Georgia over the weekend, have Convoy of Hope on their side. 

Following the impact of a tornado that left four dead, hundreds injured, and more than 1,100 homes damaged over a 31-mile stretch in Mississippi on Jan. 21, Convoy of Hope immediately sent a team with a tractor-trailer load of relief supplies including water, sports drinks, hygiene kits, various cleaning supplies, and other relief items, setting up a base of operation in Petal, Mississippi. The following day, another team was sent with equipment for tree and debris removal operations. 

In Georgia, after powerful storms and tornadoes hit the southwest section of the state on Jan. 22 and 23, Convoy of Hope dispatched a truckload of food, water, and cleaning supplies to the town of Albany in southwest Georgia. In Albany, four people were killed and more than 360 homes damaged or destroyed. 

"We are extremely grateful for our volunteers, donors, partners and friends," says Hal Donaldson, president of Convoy of Hope. "They truly enable us to give hope to those who need it most." As of Jan. 25, more than 57,000 pounds of resources have been delivered to areas in the Southeast affected by this past weekend’s storms through Convoy of Hope. 

“Too few realize that when tragedy strikes a community, the Church is often the first to respond,” says George O. Wood, AG general superintendent. “As Convoy of Hope serves as the compassion arm of the Assemblies of God, it is reassuring to once again see relief arrive so quickly to help ease suffering and provide people, devastated by tragedy, with hope.”