Local NAACP holds drive for Flint water crisis victims

JACKSON, Tenn. — The local chapter of the NAACP is hosting a water drive for those affected by the crisis in Flint, Mich.

The two-week project is just getting started. Flint’s water has been declared unsafe to drink because of lead found in the water system.

The local Jackson-Madison County Branch of the NAACP is asking West Tennesseans to help.

Water is stacking up at the Jackson Fire Department for those who need it most. “We don’t know if it’s going to be six months or a year, but what we can provide the citizens of Flint with is just a humane effort to help them survive this tragedy,” local NAACP President Harrell Carter said.

It’s been seven weeks since Flint was declared under a state of emergency with undrinkable water. The problem cannot be fixed by boiling it or adding chlorine because unlike a bacteria, it doesn’t die out.

“You cannot see the lead in the water. Unless it’s tested, that’s the only way you’re going to know,” Madison County EMA Director Marty Clements said.

Bottled water has become an essential for the 100,000 citizens of the city.

The average cost for a case of water is about $5, and officials said a case is just enough to sustain a family for about a day.

“Brushing your teeth, you’re going to have to use it to clean with, especially with babies — you’re going to use the bottled water for that,” Clements said. “You’re not going to do something that could lead to lead poisoning.”

The NAACP is ready with the largest truck they could find and are hoping to fill it with clean bottled water by Saturday, March 5.

“Pickup is on a Sunday, and the truck will be here with the driver. They’ll be driving this shipment of water to Flint, Michigan,” Carter said.

You can drop off cases of water at the Jackson Fire Department on South Highland Avenue. If you would like to donate money, they are accepting checks made out to the Jackson-Madison County NAACP.