United Way of West Central Mississippi mobilizes over $1.2M for Rolling Fork disaster relief

From United Way of West Central Mississippi:

The United Way of West Central Mississippi (UWWCM) is no stranger when it comes to helping the community. For over 70 years, UWWCM has brought resources and people together to unite our community and bring together the needs of the community. They serve Warren, Sharkey, Issaquena, Claiborne, & Yazoo Counties, along with a tip of Madison Parish in LA. When disaster struck the Rolling Fork community in Sharkey County on the night of March 24, 2023, United Way of West Central Mississippi was one of the first to respond by collecting and distributing the biggest needs to be met at that moment. UWWCM began collecting water along with other disaster relief supplies the day after the disaster struck and the funds poured in almost instantly.

Jackie Libbett, Security Manager at Bally’s Casino Vicksburg says, “My hat is off to United Way of West Central Mississippi for always being there when needed. They are the best United Way agency in this country. You don’t have to call them when a crisis hits; they already know. They jump into action, get the ball rolling and do what needs to be done, and we can’t thank them enough.”

UWWCM has been able to raise over 1.2 million dollars for the Rolling Fork community. The support received from donors through the 2022 United Way Campaign allowed the United Way of West Central Mississippi to use 100% of all disaster relief funds collected across our nation for those who were affected by the devastation in Sharkey County. In saying that, here are some other things, that with your help, the United Way has been able to provide for those in the Rolling Fork community:

• Hot meals for residents and those working in the community provided by Perry Boyd, at Gumbo Pot and the local casino’s: Riverwalk, Bally’s, Waterview, and Ameristar. Over 25,000 meals were served.
• Four 18-wheelers of water and disaster relief donations for those in the community that were left with nothing were delivered to the Disaster Relief Distribution Center.
• United Way of West Central Mississippi provided 8560 Visa Gift Cards in the amount of $500 each to those that lost everything.
• UWWCM has earmarked $500,000 for their long- term recovery.

In life, we all encounter storms. Whether that is storms of life or natural storms, it’s always so relieving when we know that there will be someone there to come along side us for every step of the way. We can’t do this alone, and we haven’t. United Way is so thankful for the support of the community that continues to come together when disaster strikes. There are still well over 300 people that are displaced from this storm and don’t have any means to cook a hot meal. Perry Boyd and his staff often spend countless hours preparing and serving the food, all while running two local restaurants in our community. The need is still great, and Perry Boyd would like to continue serving meals to ensure that no one goes hungry. Many local banks (RiverHills, Mutual Credit Union, Delta Bank, Regions, and Cadence) have stepped up to continue with the feeding efforts in Rolling Fork through volunteering their time and donating additional dollars. If your organization or business would like to get involved, please call the United Way of West Central Mississippi office at 601-636-1733. Thank you, Vicksburg, for always LIVING UNITED!!