Small community, big heart

Small community, big heart

Turrell residents rally to support Hurricane Harvey disaster relief

ralphhardin@gmail.com “When you see something like this happening, your heart just goes out to the people who are suffering and you realize just how blessed you really are.”

That’s what Ericka Elmore- Hopkins said was her inspiration for launching a campaign to collect items for victims of Hurricane Harvey in the Turrell Community.

Under the banner of “United in Faith, Hope and Love,” Elmore-Hopkins and a handful of volunteers are organizing a community- wide drive to collect essential items to send to Texas in the wake of the deadly storm.

“You know, we’re a small community but we’ve got a big heart,” said Lawanda Clifton. The two ladies stopped by the Times offices to promote their efforts and issue the call to action.

“It’s such a shame — so sad, to see all these people who now have nothing,” said Hopkins-Elmore. “You just want to help in any way you can.”

To help meed the need, the ladies are asking everyone to join in and bring donated items to the old Turrell High School, located at One Rocket Dr., in Turrell.

They are holding two drives, one on Saturday, Sept. 2, from noon to 6 p.m., and another on the following Saturday, Sept. 9, also from noon to 6 p.m.

They are asking for nonperishable food items, clothing for both children and adults of all sizes, beverages (specifically bottled water, juice and energy drinks), baby items, cleaning supplies, blankets, toiletries, personal hygiene products, snack foods, and any cash contributions anyone wants to make toward the effort.

“Big or small, it doesn’t matter,” said Hopkins-Elmore.

“When we work together, God will bless it and we can do great things,” added Clifton.

Anyone with questions or anyone who needs to drop off donated items early can contact Ericka Elmore-Hopkins at (870) 635-2211, or find her on Facebook, or call Lawanda Clifton at (870) 225-0976.

By Ralph Hardin