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Rotary Adopts Hancock County, MS |
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This joint effort of the three Rotary clubs located in Jonesboro, Arkansas was  established to support the relief efforts in Hancock County, Mississippi. This county includes the communities of Bay St. Louis and Waveland, two of the most devastated communities in Hurricane Katrina's path. Thanks to the personal efforts of Mary Ellen and Dr. Bob Warner (Bob grew up in Bay St. Louis) who traveled to Hancock County immediately following the hurricane, this project was created. Endorsed by the City of Jonesboro, the project has attracted support and resources from other Rotary Clubs around the district and around the country. Rotarians and non-Rotarians have come together to collect, sort and package supplies, provide resources including trucks, trailers, conveyors, lift trucks, drivers and much more.
 Through October 31, 2005, the project has sent 7 truck loads of supplies valued at over $100,000 with more planned for the future. Because of the direct communications link established by Bob Warner with city and county officials, this project is responding to the needs of this community as they arise and change. Originally the needs were food, water, hygiene items, medical suppies, clothing and gasoline. Next came cleaning and school supplies. Most of the area's schools were either destroyed or lost all of their supplies and furnishings. Several loads of school supplies, equipment and furnishings have been sent from across the country including several from Jonesboro. Additional items will be needed as some schools are operating out of tents and other temporary locations.
Several relief organizations have established kitchens to feed thousands of volunteers and residents who continue to need daily help to survive. One kitchen run by the Calvery Chapel denomination feeds as many as 3,000 people every day. Food has been an ongoing problem for this group so we've shipped several truck loads of food to support their efforts. Local officials have encouraged us to help this well organized humanitarian effort which relies on volunteers from across the country to staff and operate.
On October 12 - 14, 2005 a delegation of Rotarians and city officials visited Hancock County to assess immediate and long term needs. Based on a request of Bay St. Louis Mayor, Eddie Favre and Rotary Club of Bay St. Louis President, Regan Kane, we agreed to partner with several organizations to provide a traditional Thanksgiving meal for approximately 7,500 Hancock County residents, guests and relief workers. This will be the first community-wide celebration entitled, "A Day of Thanksgiving - Counting our Blessings".
The steering committee is evaluating a long term project that will leave a lasting gift to these communities. The goal is to provide a community resource such as a pavilion or community center that will give hope and provide economic development opportunities to support the rebuilding of Hancock County's unique charm while stimulating the local economy.
Steering Committee:
- Rotary Club of Jonesboro
- Bob Schuchardt, Past President & Retired Business Owner / Operator
- Eugene J. Wing, Past President, Retired IRS Manager
- Rotary Club of Jonesboro University
- Brent Stidman – Certified Public Accountant
- Bob Rubenstein – Licensed Counselor
- Jesse Stafford - Certified Public Accountant
- Rotary Club of Jonesboro Metro
- Pamela Bowers, Past President, Program Manager, Developmental Disability Services for the State of Arkansas
- Sharon K. McCarroll , Medical Consultant
- Ex-Officio:
- District Governor 2005-06 Marilyn M. Hummelstein
- District Governor Nominee (2007-08) Bob Warner, MD
- Sam Hummelstein, President Elect Rotary Club of Jonesboro
As additional information becomes available, we will post it here. |
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