MOMOSCOIPE HOROSCOPE

Locals respond in the wake of Hurricane Harvey

Church, community groups working to meet the needs of storm victims

ralphhardin@gmail.com Whatever differences we may have, the residents of Crittenden County have shown that when tragedy strikes, we will do whatever we can to help.

Whether its a child, a family, or, in this case, an entire state in need, this community is up to the task. The damage caused by Hurricane Harvey last month will have no quick fix, but there are immediate needs, and Crittenden County is doing its part.

Several organizations and individuals have held or are holding supply drives.

From Turrell to West Memphis and points in between, trucks and trailers are being filled with necessities to take to Texas. There’s an 18-wheeler sitting in the parking lot of Restoration Life Church in Marion already part-way filled with supplies and ready for more. A group from Marion First Baptist Church headed to Texas before dawn last Thursday morning as part of the Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief effort. People are ready and willing to donate money, time and prayers to the people affected by this deadly storm. The First Marion Facebook page offered suggestions on what to do moving forward.

“Many of you have asked how you can help those affected by Hurricane Harvey in Southeast Texas,” read the message. “There are many ways that you can help!”

“Pray for all those affected by the storm. Pray for all those in Southeast Texas helping the victims of the storm. You can also donate to Arkansas Baptist Disas-

Submitted photos ter Relief at www.absc.org/donate.”

Anyone who would like to volunteer with the Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief teams, learn more about training and volunteering here: www.absc.org/volunteer.

First Marion partnered with Grantt Eddinger from Backyard Southern Style, a local business in West Memphis. Eddinger will be taking a couple of trips with an 18-wheeler to the suburbs of Houston.

They are asking the community to help fill it up.

Last Sunday, Eddinger had the truck parked in the South parking lot at First Marion. They are still in need of toiletries, feminine products, children's clothes, toys, and “all the little things that often go overlooked.”

“Give with cheerful heart!” is the message.

Bring any items for the second trip to the First Marion office during regular hours. Many other groups are organizing relief efforts, but communication is the key.

Any individuals, businesses, nonprofits or organizations doing anything

locally, let the community know. Send pertinent information to the Times at news@theeveningtimes.co m, post it to the Times Facebook page, or send it to Text the Times at (870) 225-1456.

By Ralph Hardin